By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
RENTON — As has been the case throughout the offseason program, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was not on the field Tuesday when the Seahawks began Organized Team Activities.
Lawrence remains the only player who has yet to appear either in pictures the team has posted on its website of players taking part in earlier workouts or who was on the field Tuesday for the first workout the media attended.
Coach Mike Macdonald said there is no reason for concern that Lawrence won’t be around when it matters most.
While there was one report that the 34-year-old could be considering retirement — he and his wife, Sasha, welcomed the sixth child to their family shortly after the Supe Bowl — Macdonald reiterated Tuesday that he remains part of the team’s plan in 2026.
“Yeah, he’s on his plan,” Macdonald said. “He’s working through some things. But he’s in great spirits. He’ll be here at some point.”
That point will likely be by the time of the team’s mandatory minicamp June 9-11, which concludes the offseason program.
Macdonald confirmed that the presence of Lawrence helped lure free agent edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who signed with the Seahawks on May 11. Fowler played with Lawrence in Dallas when each were coached by current Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Fowler was signed after the Seahawks did not draft an edge rusher and will be expected to help fill in the snaps lost when Boye Mafe signed as a free agent with the Bengals.
“Obviously he’s been a really good player in the league for a long time,” Macdonald said of Fowler, who has 58.5 sacks in 11 NFL seasons including 10.5 with Washington in 2024. “Feel like he’s going to fit in really well here in terms of how we do things and his skill set, playing on the edge for us, and his prior relationships with AD (Durde) and D-Law (Lawrence) definitely help, coming in and kind of knowing the expectations about how we do things.”
Fowler was not on the field Tuesday but has attended many of the workouts over the past few weeks since signing.
“He’s been great so far and look forward to him having a great offseason and training camp,” Macdonald said.
Arroyo shines as Barner sits out
Tight end AJ Barner was present but not in uniform as he recovers from what Macdonald indicated was recent work to repair injuries dating to last season. Barner was on the injury report repeatedly last season with issues that included shoulder and ankle injuries but played through them to take part in all 17 regular-season games and three playoff games.
“He’s good,” Macdonald said. “He’s had the things in the offseason, but he’s attacking it like AJ Barner does and as you would expect. He’s itching to get out there. But we’ll probably see him come training camp time.”
With Barner out and Eric Saubert also present but not taking part in on-field drills, second-year player Elijah Arroyo got most of the snaps at tight end with the No. 1 offense and made a handful of catches throughout.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws out a pass during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II laughs with teammate defensive end Leonard Williams during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
1 of 12 | Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws out a pass during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
Arroyo, the 50th overall pick of the 2025 draft out of Miami, suffered a knee injury late in the year season and sat out the final four games and first two playoff games before being activated before the Super Bowl, playing 19 snaps.
“Elijah has had a great offseason,” Macdonald said. “Great opportunity to take his game to another level, and he’s attacking it.”
Good news for Horton
Rookie receiver Tory Horton remains on the sidelines as he continues to recover from offseason surgery to repair a lingering shin injury that caused him to miss the final nine games of the 2025 season and the playoffs.
Macdonald said Horton’s recovery is taking a positive turn.
“Tory has made a lot of great strides,’’ Macdonald said. “Seems like we got some feedback that can really accelerate his recovery, which is great. He deserves some good news. He’s been working really, really hard.“
Macdonald did not rule out that Horton may be on the field in some capacity before the offseason program ends with minicamp June 9-11.
“There’s a chance he could do some stuff towards the end of the spring,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
No ETA yet on Charbonnet, McIntosh
As expected, running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh were not on the field as each continues to recover from ACL injuries suffered last season. McIntosh was injured early in training camp and Charbonnet in the divisional playoff game win over the 49ers. The hope remains that McIntosh will return when training camp begins in late July with Charbonnet more realistically set to return at midseason.
Macdonald said Tuesday there is no set date for either.
“Zach is doing a great job,” he said. “Same thing with (Kenny). These things, I think they’re on their own timetable. That’s hard to pin down right now. But we’ll be probably having a better idea as we circle back in July.”
Free agent signee Emanuel Wilson was not present on Tuesday because of what Macdonald said was “a personal thing going on.”
That meant three-year vet George Holani and rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price were the primary running backs with the first-team offense. Holani appeared to go first in the rotation — likely in part a nod to his veteran status — followed by Price, with Jacardia Wright and Velus Jones Jr. Jones is listed as a receiver by the Seahawks but has played both spots in his career and for now appears to be back at running back.
Price had one of the highlight plays of the day with a long gain on a catch down the sidelines on a route out of the backfield thrown by backup QB Drew Lock during a seven-on-seven session.
Joint practice could happen with Titans
Macdonald said the Seahawks are hoping to again conduct joint practices against the Titans before they play their second preseason game there on Aug. 23. They had joint practices at Tennessee in 2024 and last year at Green Bay.
The Seahawks have preseason games this year at home against Dallas and at Kansas City but plays both during the regular season. Teams typically prefer not to hold joint practices against teams they’ll play later.
“The only one we could possibly do is with Tennessee,” Macdonald said. “… So we’ll see. I wouldn’t say it’s a done deal yet, but just trying to finalize some details, but we’re hopeful that will work out.”
2026 OTAs thread
Re: 2026 OTAs thread
Damn DLaw with six kids at age 34.
dt
Re: 2026 OTAs thread
Regarding Tory Horton's ambiguous shin injury - I asked Grok AI what it thought. this what it said -
Tory Horton's exact shin injury diagnosis hasn't been publicly detailed by the Seahawks or medical staff. Reports consistently describe it as a "shin injury" (sometimes paired with groin issues) that surfaced around Week 9 of the 2025 season, sidelined him for the final nine games plus playoffs, and required offseason surgery. It lingered despite initial conservative management, leading to re-imaging that identified an issue needing surgical repair.
sports.mynorthwest.com
Common Shin Injuries in NFL Athletes That Can Require SurgeryShin problems in football players (especially wide receivers, who do a lot of cutting, accelerating, and high-impact running) often stem from overuse, repetitive stress, or acute trauma. Most are managed conservatively at first (rest, rehab, etc.), but surgery becomes necessary when healing stalls, there's structural damage, or there's risk of worsening. Here's what fits the profile of a lingering case needing surgery:Tibial Stress Fracture (Most Likely Candidate Here):
Tiny cracks in the tibia (shinbone) from repetitive loading. These are very common in athletes and often start like "shin splints" but progress. Pain is usually focal (point-specific) rather than diffuse. Many heal with 6–12+ weeks of rest, boot/crutches, and activity modification.
Surgery (e.g., internal fixation with screws, rods, or plates) is needed for high-risk or non-healing fractures, especially if there's a "dreaded black line" on imaging (indicating poor blood supply or delayed union) or if the player needs to return to high-level play faster. This can explain a lingering issue into the offseason. Recovery often takes several months, matching Horton's timeline (out through spring but progressing toward camp).
osswf.com
Chronic or Compartment Syndrome (Exertional):
Increased pressure in the muscle compartments of the lower leg, leading to pain, tightness, and potential nerve/vessel issues. If conservative treatment fails, fasciotomy surgery (cutting the fascia to relieve pressure) is performed. This is less common for pure "shin" descriptions but can coexist with bone issues.
Severe Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome - MTSS):
Inflammation along the tibia from muscle/tendon pull. Usually doesn't require surgery, but in rare refractory cases with associated bone damage or periosteal issues, minor procedures (e.g., fasciotomy or debridement) may be done. Unlikely to be the sole reason for offseason surgery here.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Other Possibilities: Bone bruise with complications, avulsion fracture, or stress reaction that progressed. A true acute fracture (e.g., broken tibia) would typically be more dramatic and diagnosed immediately.
Why Surgery Was Likely NeededMacdonald noted it "just takes a long time to heal" and required re-imaging to fully understand the issue. This points to something like a stubborn stress fracture that wasn't resolving with rest alone—common in NFL players pushing through early symptoms. The positive recent update (accelerated recovery feedback, possible limited participation before minicamp) suggests the surgery addressed the root problem effectively, with no long-term concerns reported.
heavy.com
Athletes often try to play through early shin pain, which can turn a manageable stress reaction into one needing surgery. Horton’s case fits patterns seen in other pros where conservative care fails and operative intervention (plus extended rehab) is required for full return.If more specifics emerge from the team, it would clarify further, but based on available info, a tibial stress fracture requiring fixation is the most plausible explanation for an NFL wide receiver's lingering shin issue that went to surgery. Recovery is trending well for 2026 training camp.
Tory Horton's exact shin injury diagnosis hasn't been publicly detailed by the Seahawks or medical staff. Reports consistently describe it as a "shin injury" (sometimes paired with groin issues) that surfaced around Week 9 of the 2025 season, sidelined him for the final nine games plus playoffs, and required offseason surgery. It lingered despite initial conservative management, leading to re-imaging that identified an issue needing surgical repair.
sports.mynorthwest.com
Common Shin Injuries in NFL Athletes That Can Require SurgeryShin problems in football players (especially wide receivers, who do a lot of cutting, accelerating, and high-impact running) often stem from overuse, repetitive stress, or acute trauma. Most are managed conservatively at first (rest, rehab, etc.), but surgery becomes necessary when healing stalls, there's structural damage, or there's risk of worsening. Here's what fits the profile of a lingering case needing surgery:Tibial Stress Fracture (Most Likely Candidate Here):
Tiny cracks in the tibia (shinbone) from repetitive loading. These are very common in athletes and often start like "shin splints" but progress. Pain is usually focal (point-specific) rather than diffuse. Many heal with 6–12+ weeks of rest, boot/crutches, and activity modification.
Surgery (e.g., internal fixation with screws, rods, or plates) is needed for high-risk or non-healing fractures, especially if there's a "dreaded black line" on imaging (indicating poor blood supply or delayed union) or if the player needs to return to high-level play faster. This can explain a lingering issue into the offseason. Recovery often takes several months, matching Horton's timeline (out through spring but progressing toward camp).
osswf.com
Chronic or Compartment Syndrome (Exertional):
Increased pressure in the muscle compartments of the lower leg, leading to pain, tightness, and potential nerve/vessel issues. If conservative treatment fails, fasciotomy surgery (cutting the fascia to relieve pressure) is performed. This is less common for pure "shin" descriptions but can coexist with bone issues.
Severe Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome - MTSS):
Inflammation along the tibia from muscle/tendon pull. Usually doesn't require surgery, but in rare refractory cases with associated bone damage or periosteal issues, minor procedures (e.g., fasciotomy or debridement) may be done. Unlikely to be the sole reason for offseason surgery here.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Other Possibilities: Bone bruise with complications, avulsion fracture, or stress reaction that progressed. A true acute fracture (e.g., broken tibia) would typically be more dramatic and diagnosed immediately.
Why Surgery Was Likely NeededMacdonald noted it "just takes a long time to heal" and required re-imaging to fully understand the issue. This points to something like a stubborn stress fracture that wasn't resolving with rest alone—common in NFL players pushing through early symptoms. The positive recent update (accelerated recovery feedback, possible limited participation before minicamp) suggests the surgery addressed the root problem effectively, with no long-term concerns reported.
heavy.com
Athletes often try to play through early shin pain, which can turn a manageable stress reaction into one needing surgery. Horton’s case fits patterns seen in other pros where conservative care fails and operative intervention (plus extended rehab) is required for full return.If more specifics emerge from the team, it would clarify further, but based on available info, a tibial stress fracture requiring fixation is the most plausible explanation for an NFL wide receiver's lingering shin issue that went to surgery. Recovery is trending well for 2026 training camp.
Re: 2026 OTAs thread
Scientists know what causes that now daysD-train wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2026 1:55 amDamn DLaw with six kids at age 34.
By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
RENTON — As has been the case throughout the offseason program, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was not on the field Tuesday when the Seahawks began Organized Team Activities.
Lawrence remains the only player who has yet to appear either in pictures the team has posted on its website of players taking part in earlier workouts or who was on the field Tuesday for the first workout the media attended.
Coach Mike Macdonald said there is no reason for concern that Lawrence won’t be around when it matters most.
While there was one report that the 34-year-old could be considering retirement — he and his wife, Sasha, welcomed the sixth child to their family shortly after the Supe Bowl — Macdonald reiterated Tuesday that he remains part of the team’s plan in 2026.
“Yeah, he’s on his plan,” Macdonald said. “He’s working through some things. But he’s in great spirits. He’ll be here at some point.”
That point will likely be by the time of the team’s mandatory minicamp June 9-11, which concludes the offseason program.
Macdonald confirmed that the presence of Lawrence helped lure free agent edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who signed with the Seahawks on May 11. Fowler played with Lawrence in Dallas when each were coached by current Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Fowler was signed after the Seahawks did not draft an edge rusher and will be expected to help fill in the snaps lost when Boye Mafe signed as a free agent with the Bengals.
“Obviously he’s been a really good player in the league for a long time,” Macdonald said of Fowler, who has 58.5 sacks in 11 NFL seasons including 10.5 with Washington in 2024. “Feel like he’s going to fit in really well here in terms of how we do things and his skill set, playing on the edge for us, and his prior relationships with AD (Durde) and D-Law (Lawrence) definitely help, coming in and kind of knowing the expectations about how we do things.”
Fowler was not on the field Tuesday but has attended many of the workouts over the past few weeks since signing.
“He’s been great so far and look forward to him having a great offseason and training camp,” Macdonald said.
Arroyo shines as Barner sits out
Tight end AJ Barner was present but not in uniform as he recovers from what Macdonald indicated was recent work to repair injuries dating to last season. Barner was on the injury report repeatedly last season with issues that included shoulder and ankle injuries but played through them to take part in all 17 regular-season games and three playoff games.
“He’s good,” Macdonald said. “He’s had the things in the offseason, but he’s attacking it like AJ Barner does and as you would expect. He’s itching to get out there. But we’ll probably see him come training camp time.”
With Barner out and Eric Saubert also present but not taking part in on-field drills, second-year player Elijah Arroyo got most of the snaps at tight end with the No. 1 offense and made a handful of catches throughout.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws out a pass during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II laughs with teammate defensive end Leonard Williams during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
1 of 12 | Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws out a pass during OTAs Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Renton, WA. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
Arroyo, the 50th overall pick of the 2025 draft out of Miami, suffered a knee injury late in the year season and sat out the final four games and first two playoff games before being activated before the Super Bowl, playing 19 snaps.
“Elijah has had a great offseason,” Macdonald said. “Great opportunity to take his game to another level, and he’s attacking it.”
Good news for Horton
Rookie receiver Tory Horton remains on the sidelines as he continues to recover from offseason surgery to repair a lingering shin injury that caused him to miss the final nine games of the 2025 season and the playoffs.
Macdonald said Horton’s recovery is taking a positive turn.
“Tory has made a lot of great strides,’’ Macdonald said. “Seems like we got some feedback that can really accelerate his recovery, which is great. He deserves some good news. He’s been working really, really hard.“
Macdonald did not rule out that Horton may be on the field in some capacity before the offseason program ends with minicamp June 9-11.
“There’s a chance he could do some stuff towards the end of the spring,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
No ETA yet on Charbonnet, McIntosh
As expected, running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh were not on the field as each continues to recover from ACL injuries suffered last season. McIntosh was injured early in training camp and Charbonnet in the divisional playoff game win over the 49ers. The hope remains that McIntosh will return when training camp begins in late July with Charbonnet more realistically set to return at midseason.
Macdonald said Tuesday there is no set date for either.
“Zach is doing a great job,” he said. “Same thing with (Kenny). These things, I think they’re on their own timetable. That’s hard to pin down right now. But we’ll be probably having a better idea as we circle back in July.”
Free agent signee Emanuel Wilson was not present on Tuesday because of what Macdonald said was “a personal thing going on.”
That meant three-year vet George Holani and rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price were the primary running backs with the first-team offense. Holani appeared to go first in the rotation — likely in part a nod to his veteran status — followed by Price, with Jacardia Wright and Velus Jones Jr. Jones is listed as a receiver by the Seahawks but has played both spots in his career and for now appears to be back at running back.
Price had one of the highlight plays of the day with a long gain on a catch down the sidelines on a route out of the backfield thrown by backup QB Drew Lock during a seven-on-seven session.
Joint practice could happen with Titans
Macdonald said the Seahawks are hoping to again conduct joint practices against the Titans before they play their second preseason game there on Aug. 23. They had joint practices at Tennessee in 2024 and last year at Green Bay.
The Seahawks have preseason games this year at home against Dallas and at Kansas City but plays both during the regular season. Teams typically prefer not to hold joint practices against teams they’ll play later.
“The only one we could possibly do is with Tennessee,” Macdonald said. “… So we’ll see. I wouldn’t say it’s a done deal yet, but just trying to finalize some details, but we’re hopeful that will work out.”