The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were dealt a significant blow on Friday when wide receiver Jake Bobo was carted off the field during a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee. The 28-year-old wide receiver, who has become a fan favorite and a major locker room presence for Seattle, sustained an injury to his right leg along the sideline. Following the incident, players from both the Seahawks and the Titans took a knee as medical personnel assisted Bobo onto a cart, where he remained with his right leg outstretched.
Mike Macdonald assesses Jake Bobo’s injury
Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the severity of the situation immediately following the practice, confirming that the team would conduct imaging to assess the damage. Macdonald expressed his heartfelt sympathy for Jake Bobo. He noted that the injury to the knee appeared to be serious and, although the team would conduct imaging, preliminary assessments suggested a long-term injury, which he described as unfortunate. By Saturday, the diagnosis was confirmed, and the Seahawks officially placed Bobo on season-ending injured reserve.
Bobo’s absence represents a notable loss for the team beyond his statistical contributions. While he may not always stuff the stat sheet, his impact on special teams and his effectiveness in the blocking game have been vital to the team’s identity. Quarterback Sam Darnold expressed the sentiment shared by many in the locker room regarding Bobo’s unique energy. Darnold remarked that the situation was painful, explaining that Jake Bobo is a dedicated worker who brings a lively spirit to the team, much like Devon Witherspoon does on the defensive side. He added that Jake Bobo brings high energy every day and consistently performs his duties, so while losing him is difficult, he is confident that Jake Bobo will approach his recovery with determination and return even stronger.
Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver depth chart
The injury creates a sudden void at the top of the Seahawks’ wide receiver depth chart, particularly as fellow receiver Tory Horton is also dealing with an injury that will leave him sidelined for a period of time. Bobo, who earned his roster spot as an undrafted rookie in 2023, has played 45 games in his NFL career, including 11 games during the 2025 season and three playoff games during the Seahawks’ recent Super Bowl championship run. Throughout his career, he has recorded 34 receptions for 323 yards and three touchdowns, including a 17-yard touchdown catch in Seattle’s 31-27 NFC championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. In March, when Bobo was a restricted free agent, the Jacksonville Jaguars offered him a two-year, $5.5 million deal, but the Seahawks chose to match that offer to keep him in Seattle.
Julian Hicks signed by the Seahawks
To fill the vacancy created by Bobo’s move to injured reserve, the Seahawks signed wide receiver Julian Hicks. Hicks, who went undrafted out of Albany in 2024, previously spent time with the Green Bay Packers organization during his first two seasons in the league. He had signed with Seattle earlier in the week but was briefly waived to make room for cornerback Trevon Diggs before being re-signed following the news of Bobo’s injury.
The team is now looking toward its younger receivers to seize the opportunity created by these roster shifts. Players such as Montorie Foster Jr. and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. are expected to make a case for a spot on the 53-man roster as the preseason continues. Additionally, the coaching staff is monitoring veterans like Cody White and Irv Charles, who offer size and special teams abilities similar to what Bobo provided. Despite the loss of Bobo, the Seahawks maintain a deep receiving corps that includes star wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
As the defending Super Bowl champions continue their preseason schedule, the team remains focused on evaluating its depth. The Seahawks were scheduled to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, a game that serves as a critical evaluation period for players like Hicks to acclimate to the offense before the regular season begins. With the loss of Bobo, the remaining preseason games carry increased weight for those competing for roles within the receiving corps.