Seahawks to open Jalen Sundell’s 21-day practice window

Sundell, undrafted from North Dakota State in 2024, came off the bench in 12 games as a rookie. He won the Seahawks’ center competition entering this season and started their first nine games before suffering a knee injury. Seattle has turned to Olu Oluwatimi in the middle of its line over the past few weeks.

The return of Sundell could boost the 10-3 Seahawks’ chances of overtaking the Rams in the NFC West and potentially securing the No. 1 seed in the conference. However, it’s unclear if Sundell will reprise his role as the Seahawks’ top center if he comes back.

Asked if Sundell could practice at right guard, where he also competed during the summer, Macdonald said (per Henderson), “We’ll see.”

While third-year man Anthony Bradford has been a full-time starter at right guard this season, Pro Football Focus ranks his performance an unimpressive 69th among 80 qualifiers. The Seahawks are tied for the fewest sacks allowed in the NFL (17), but Bradford has struggled as a pass blocker.

Although PFF hasn’t been enamored of Bradford’s work, Macdonald praised the 24-year-old after Seattle’s Week 14 blowout over Atlanta. Macdonald said Bradford enjoyed the best showing among Seahawks O-linemen on Sunday (via Henderson). If that continues, it may be difficult for Macdonald to pull him from the lineup.

No matter which interior linemen Macdonald chooses to start, a healthy Sundell would at least strengthen the team’s depth up front. Thanks in part to Sundell, Oluwatimi, and Bradford, the Seahawks’ line has paved the way for the league’s second-ranked scoring offense.