The Seattle Seahawks got a mixed bag of injury news on Friday, October 30, one day before their final practice ahead of Monday's matchup with the Chicago Bears. Rookie running back Jadarian Price moved to a full participant, but defensive tackle Byron Murphy showed up as a new limited participant and running back Zach Charbonnet was downgraded after four straight full practices, according to Sports Illustrated's injury report coverage.
Price, who has spent the past four games on injured reserve with a chest injury, was designated to return to practice Thursday and progressed all the way to a full participant Friday, ESPN reported. That's the kind of grind you want to see from a rookie. Get knocked down, get back up, get back to work.
The good news for Seattle
Start with the positives, because there are plenty. Quenton Nelson (knee) and Brady Russell (wrist) stayed full participants and look ready to roll. DeMarcus Lawrence and Jaxon Smith-Njigba came off their rest days and practiced in full. That's two key weapons back on the field at full speed.
Connor O'Toole (hamstring), Chazz Surratt (calf), Drake Thomas (ankle) and Leonard Williams (achilles) all moved from limited to full. That's a trench line getting healthier, and games in this league are won in the trenches. Tyrice Knight (hip) stayed limited, though that matters less if Thomas is back for the starting spot. Drew Lock (right elbow) also remained limited.
Head coach Mike MacDonald had already signaled optimism about Price earlier in the week, and the Seahawks confirmed the positive update on the rookie's status, per Heavy Sports. Friday's full practice backed it up.
The red flags: Charbonnet and Murphy
Now the part that should worry the 12s. Charbonnet (knee) went from four straight full practices to limited. The hope is that this is a rest day, not a setback, and reports this week indicated Zach is expected to play. But a downgrade is a downgrade, and with one practice left before Monday night, there's no room for error.
Murphy is the bigger concern. The defensive tackle popped up on the report Friday as a limited participant with a back issue. Nobody knows yet whether the injury happened during practice or was flagged before it started. The answer comes with Saturday's final report, and until then, Seahawks fans hold their breath.
Who sat out entirely
Anthony Bradford (knee) was downgraded to did not participate, which raises the question of whether the front office is holding him out for trade purposes. The deadline looms, and in this league, business is business. Pat O'Connell (toe) also went to DNP, and Brandon Pili (back) picked up a new injury that kept him off the field.
Charles Cross (ankle), Velus Jones (hamstring), Uchenna Nwosu (ankle) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) were all out as well. That's a long list of names watching from the sideline, and depth gets tested when the list grows like this.
The Chicago Bears trend the wrong way
Chicago's report is quieter, but Friday moved in the wrong direction for the Bears. Linebackers T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and Jack Sanborn (concussion) practiced in full, and with another linebacker situation brewing on that roster, that may matter more than fans realize.
Malik Muhammad (toe) stayed limited, which usually means a player who can suit up but won't be at full strength. Given everything the Bears will ask of him Monday night, that's significant. Tight end Colston Loveland (neck) was added to the report Friday, suggesting something happened in practice. With Cole Kmet already out, Chicago needs Loveland badly.
Rookie running back Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) was held out again and is very likely to miss the game. Linebacker D'Marco Jackson (ankle), estimated as limited Thursday, did not practice at all Friday. Whether something happened between the two days or the estimate was simply wrong, nobody knows. Either way, that's a real loss for the Bears' defense.
What to watch on Saturday
Saturday's final injury report settles everything. For Seattle, watch Murphy's back and Charbonnet's knee first, then Bradford's status with the trade deadline in mind. For Chicago, watch Loveland's neck and Jackson's ankle.
Monday night football is about showing up, staying tough and finishing the job. Both teams have one more practice to prove their key men will be on the field when the lights come on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Jadarian Price play for the Seahawks on Monday night?
Price progressed to a full participant in Friday's practice after being designated to return from injured reserve, so signs point toward him being available, though nothing is official until the final report Saturday.
Why was Zach Charbonnet limited on Friday?
Charbonnet was downgraded to limited after four straight full practices. Reports this week indicate he is still expected to play, and the downgrade may simply be a rest day, but the final injury report will confirm his status.
Is Byron Murphy injured?
Murphy appeared on Friday's injury report as a limited participant with a back issue. It is not yet known whether the injury occurred during practice or before it, and his status will be clarified Saturday.
Which Bears players are likely to miss Monday's game?
Running back Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) is very likely out, tight end Cole Kmet is already out, and linebacker D'Marco Jackson (ankle) did not practice Friday after being estimated as limited Thursday.