Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury during a January loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly is back on the field and contributing in a big way during training camp.
While Dissly's rare injury -- which damaged the bone outside the knee -- cast some doubt on the Washington product's availability at the start of camp. However, his knee healed naturally, thus eliminating the need for surgery.
Accordingly, Dissly is once again acutely focused on football.
“First minor injury I’ve had in a while, I guess," Dissly told reporters on Monday. "I was bummed to not be able to finish out the year last year, but it was a good opportunity for Colby (Parkinson) to step up and get some playing time and Noah (Fant) to do his thing. They picked up the flag and ran with it and I was happy to see that.
"But I'm happy to be back. I’m feeling good, feeling strong, feeling fast, and making plays again. It’s awesome.”
Since joining the Seahawks as a fourth-round selection (No. 120 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, Dissly has been one of the team's most consistent contributors on offense. Known primarily for his blocking prowess, Dissly has amassed 1,249 receiving yards on 110 catches and 12 touchdowns -- during his five seasons in Seattle
With Parkinson's emergence, along with Fant's prowess at the position, Dissly knows that he must earn his spot on the Seahawks roster by consistently performing at a high level. Though he has been enjoying his training camp experience, the veteran tight end seems intent on beginning that process as soon as possible -- perhaps as soon as Seattle's preseason debut against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. PT from Lumen Field. Though coach Pete Carroll has yet to tip his hand on how much time his veterans will see, Dissly is cognizant of the importance of giving a complete performance during NFL preseason.
“I try to do that here every time," Dissly said of his preseason effort level. "You’re trying to make this team, trying to make this team better, trying to make yourself better, and when you go out in a preseason game you are not just competing to make this team, but you’re trying to compete to make any team.
"So if you’re a young guy and you get an opportunity to go out there and make plays, take the most of it and just remember that you put on an NFL uniform today and be proud of yourself.”
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