Seahawks Players ‘Excited To See Where We Can Go’ With New Defense

While there is plenty of time between now and the start of training camp, one challenge for Macdonald and company when it comes to installing the defense is that they are doing so without two of their top linebackers on the field in Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson. Dodson has been limited in his work, while Baker is rehabbing a couple different injuries, meaning bigger roles for the likes of Jon Rhattigan, Patrick O’Connell and rookie Tyrice Knight.

“It’s tough because some of the guys aren’t out there,” Macdonald said when asked to assess that spot. “It’s something we’re chasing right now. We’re seeing how it fits, where guys feel more comfortable inside or outside, that sort of thing. So it’s probably early to give you a full report on that.”

On Baker, who had wrist surgery in January, Macdonald said, “He’s working through some things right now. We probably won’t see him until training camp. He’s going to be fine, but right now we won’t see him out in OTAs”

In addition to the wrist, Macdonald said Baker has “lower body stuff he’s working through.”

Asked if he was concerned about Baker not being able to take part in offseason workouts, Macdonald added, “I wouldn’t call it a concern, but any time someone isn’t getting all the reps, you’ve got to figure out different ways to get them the reps, so it’s mental stuff, it’s walkthroughs, we’re trying to be creative in the building to make sure he gets all the things he needs to see. He’ll be up to speed, he’ll be ready to roll.”

As for Knight, a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, Macdonald said, “He’s coming along. The mentality is there. The game’s fast for him right now, but it’s a process. It’s his fifth practice with the big boys, and like all the rookies, they have a lot to learn, but he’s made some plays, he’s seeing some things right now, so there’s a foundation there that we’re excited about. He’s a rookie right now, so he’s got to pick it up just like the rest of them.”