Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Seahawks' blowout win over Commanders comes at a potentially notable cost in Week 9 right before NFL trade deadline

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 8:32 AM ET

The Seattle Seahawks are simply on fire. There was a bit of an extinguisher to that excitement during their dominant win over the Washington Commanders in Week 9, though. One of their best defensive players had to leave the game due to injury and did not return.

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV leaves win with injury

The top linebacker for Seattle was forced to leave the win over Washington due to a knee injury. According to head coach Mike Macdonald, they do not believe it is season-ending for Jones, though. They do not know the specific severity of the injury, but they are hopeful as of now. It sounds like the Seahawks defensive signal-caller isn't going to miss a ton of time due to the ailment.

Linebacker Drake Thomas took over as the defensive signal-caller in Jones' absence. Tyrice Knight also entered the game at linebacker. Their depth was put to the test. Luckily, they stood tall against the Commanders.

“It’s not season ending, but we’ll see.”

Macdonald said Ernest Jones may miss a game or two, but they need to get more information pic.twitter.com/fwgcI1DM3o
— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) November 3, 2025

The victory over the Commanders was a massive one, as the Seahawks dominated on both sides of the football. Sam Darnold compiled a nearly perfect first half, while the defense smothered the Commanders through the air and on the ground.

The road tenacity kept rolling for Seattle, as their head coach became the third head coach in NFL history to win 11 of his first 12 road games. That's no joke - and it came without one of his key pieces on defense for part of the matchup.

In the long-term, Seattle should not rush back Jones and risk him re-injuring this knee. They must be patient and hope others can step up in his void like they did on Sunday evening. Looking to acquire another linebacker at the trade deadline could also make some sense for Seattle, although they may have some other, larger needs across their roster.

Regardless, the Seahawks move to 6-2 on the season and are set to host the Arizona Cardinals next week. They'll wait for more updates regarding Jones' status this week and beyond.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: