The Seattle Seahawks will return defensive leaders Julian Love and Jarran Reed from injured reserve in Week 14.
Head coach Mike McDonald gave an in-depth look at how he will deploy the two veteran backs returning from injury. Reed will rotate on the defensive line, where his contributions will primarily be to keep the elite duo of Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II alive. As for Love, McDonald said they “have a plan” to bring him back.
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Reed suffered a broken wrist and thumb in October and lived in pain for weeks, but upon closer inspection, tests revealed the injury was more serious than initially thought. He will need surgery and be placed on injured reserve.
Love has not played since straining his hamstring in Week 4. He returned in Week 4, but was unable to return to 100 percent and needed to check into the hospital to heal. The ride kept getting longer because the flames kept burning as he tried to escape. He finally returned to action after a nine-week absence but will be closely monitored in case of another outbreak.
This is the first time the Seahawks have fielded a full starting defense all season — although no NFL player is completely “healthy” by the end of the season after the physical exertion that comes with 12 games in 13 weeks. Playing without hesitation is one of the main reasons why Seattle’s defense has had so much success so far and won’t compromise to get players back on the field. But if they’re not ready to step in and give it their all, they’re not going to bring them back.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs Falcons: Julian Love and Jarran Reed to return in W14