The Seattle Seahawks will look to keep pace in the NFC West race when they visit the Washington Commanders for a Sunday night matchup.
Seattle (5-2) has won two straight and comes out of its bye tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the division, a half-game ahead of the San Francisco 49ers.
“We’re doing a lot of great things in terms of finishing plays, and there’s more to be had in really all three phases,” Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday. “The best way I can explain it is, I’m excited about where we are and where we can go.”
The Commanders (3-5) have lost three straight as they were unable to follow up on a 7-7 first half against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 28-7 road loss Monday night. They trail the Philadelphia Eagles by three games in the NFC East and are facing what could be called a must-win game with the Detroit Lions visiting next week.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels (right hamstring) could return to face the Seahawks after missing one game.
“If everything goes right, hopefully I’m out there Sunday night,” Daniels said.
The news was not good regarding Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. He returned from a four-game absence to oppose the Chiefs and made three catches, including a toe-tap touchdown, but left after reinjuring his right quad and won’t play Sunday.
“We’ll re-evaluate it next week to see where it goes,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “Bummed for him. Bummed for us. (It’s) just tough.”
Neither left tackle Laremy Tunsil (hamstring) nor kicker Matt Gay (back) practiced Wednesday. Quinn said he would have a better idea about their status on Friday.
After intercepting Patrick Mahomes twice in the first half Monday night, Washington’s defense gave up touchdowns on three consecutive second-half drives.
“Arrow going up and we’ve still got a lot of our story to write on defense,” Quinn said. “I thought the tackling and the tracking were better. … Created some takeaways. I thought that was a big piece for us in terms of stepping in the right direction.”
Washington had only three takeaways entering Monday night.
The Commanders’ defense — including former Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner — is allowing 372.8 yards per game (27th in the NFL) and will be facing an 11th-ranked Seattle offense that is gaining 350.6 yards per game.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is coming off arguably his worst game of the season, as he completed 17 of 31 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a win over the Houston Texans. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is averaging eight catches for 139 yards and a touchdown over his past three games.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has converted 13 of 17 field-goal attempts, including 4 of 6 from 50-plus yards. Gay has hit 10 of 14, including 4 of 7 from 50-plus.
If Daniels can’t go, Marcus Mariota would make his fourth start of the season. He passed for 213 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions Monday night.
“Both operate their offense really well,” Macdonald said, “so the type of plays we’re going to be practicing against and preparing for wouldn’t really change based on who’s playing.”
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) was a full practice participant on Wednesday, and outside linebacker Derick Hall (oblique) was limited. Wide receiver/kick returner Dareke Young (quad) did not practice. The Seahawks signed former Bears, Falcons and Saints receiver/kick returner Velus Jones Jr. to the practice squad.
Seattle rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts (ankle) returned to practice, but safety Julian Love (hamstring) did not practice and could miss the Sunday game.
The Seahawks won the teams’ most recent meeting 29-26 on a Myers field goal as time expired in Seattle on Nov. 12, 2023.
