The Seattle Seahawks held an extensive competition for the starting right guard spot for the first eight games of the regular season. Anthony Bradford started their first eight games, but the Seahawks alternated rookie third-round pick Christian Haynes. After eight weeks of experimentation, head coach Mike Macdonald announced ahead of Week 9 that Bradford remains the starter but in a full-time role without Haynes alternating.
Also Read: Seattle Seahawks: Reveal Starter at Struggling Position for Week 9
The Seattle Seahawks starter exited Week 12 with an injury
Anthony Bradford suffered an apparent leg injury on the fourth snap of their Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. With the assistance of the medical staff, Bradford limped off the field and went directly into the medical tent. After being evaluated in the medical tent, the medical staff carted him to the locker room for further examination. He did not return for the remainder of the game.
During their postgame press conference, Mike Macdonald told the media that Bradford appears to have avoided a significant ankle injury. Although he dodged a catastrophic injury, he could miss a week of action. “He’s got an ankle, and we’ll see,” Macdonald said. “It’s not broken or anything. I don’t want to give a timetable, but probably looking like at least a game.”
Who replaced him for the remainder of the game?
Christian Haynes took over at right guard for the remainder of the game. Overall, Haynes did a decent job in relief, surrendering two pressures and hurries without allowing any QB hits or sacks. Mike Macdonald praised the rookie for filling in but didn’t guarantee a starting spot for him, and he must earn it during practice.
“Christian played winning football for us, but I want him to grow, keep growing,” Macdonald remarked. “You gotta go prove it every week on the practice field and in preparation. But right now, he deserves a lot of credit for having a guy that was rotating in and A.B. [Anthony Bradford] kind of took over, still prepared and knew all the things – no mentals on the day – but some technique stuff we got to clean up. But overall, good enough to win the game.”
The Seattle Seahawks Day 3 rookie will be part of this week’s competition
Since Christian Haynes is not guaranteed the starting right guard spot if Anthony Bradford misses time, the Seahawks will hold a competition this week. Joining Haynes for the competition is Sataoa Laumea, their sixth-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Laumea played exclusively at right guard and right tackle with the Utah Utes in college. He played left guard in the preseason but can also play right guard. Mike Macdonald is a fan of the Day 3 rookie.
“Sataoa is someone we’re going to take a long look at as well,” Macdonald said of Laumeao.
“Just a guy that continues to work his craft, take it day by day. But he can play both left and right guard. Just a guy we’re really excited about bringing him in and seeing his approach every day. Now that he gets his opportunity, it’s another example of ‘What are you gonna do with it?’ and go to work.”
