Seahawks' Preseason Woes Continue with 19-16 Loss to Titans

The Seattle Seahawks fell to 0-2 in the preseason with a 19-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night. With starters resting, the game became a showcase for backups and young players, but it was also marked by injuries and late-game struggles.

The Seahawks scored on their first three possessions, all with Drew Lock at quarterback. Lock led the second-team offense to a 36-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Arroyo and a 69-yard touchdown run by Jacardia Wright, giving Seattle an early lead. Lock finished the first half 12 of 14 for 103 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions, good for a passer rating of 121.1.

The Titans, playing most of their starters in the first half under new head coach Robert Saleh, clawed back in the second half, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Injury Toll Mounts for Seattle

The game was overshadowed by injuries. Rookie safety Bud Clark suffered what appeared to be a serious right leg injury on Seattle's first defensive play, when he raced up to make a tackle on a Tony Pollard run. His leg was placed in an aircast, and he was carted off the field. The Spokane Spokesman-Review later reported it as a broken ankle.

The injury to Clark came after receiver Jake Bobo suffered a season-ending knee injury in Friday's joint practice with the Titans. Offensive lineman Mason Richman also suffered a serious leg injury during the game, playing just seven snaps before being attended to on the field. Richman, a seventh-round pick last year, had played in only two regular season games in 2025 but was emerging as a versatile offensive lineman.

Milroe's Rough Night in Relief

Jalen Milroe, who took over at quarterback in the second half, struggled for the second straight preseason game. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions, including one on a pass intended for Emmanuel Henderson, who slipped. Milroe also took a sack on a fourth-down attempt. According to the Spokesman-Review, Milroe has not led a scoring drive in nine preseason series, and the Seahawks' offense has not scored on any of his series.

After the game, Lock acknowledged a poor decision on a pass that was nearly intercepted, saying, "That ball came out of my hands so bad... thank you zebras," referring to a penalty that negated the play.

Other Highlights and Lowlights

  • The backup defense played well early, holding the Titans' starting offense to 77 yards on 18 plays.
  • The Seahawks committed 14 penalties, including an offensive pass interference call on Ricky White III.
  • Jason Myers missed a 48-yard extra point attempt after a celebration penalty on a touchdown run.
  • Cody White muffed a punt, leading to a Titans field goal.
  • The Seahawks rested running back George Holani, with Jacardia Wright, Velus Jones Jr., and Anthony Hankerson handling the duties.
  • First-round pick Jadarian Price did not play, and the team appears cautious about his preseason participation.

Player Evaluations and Roster Moves

The Spokesman-Review provided detailed analysis of individual performances. Jamie Sheriff had the highest Pro Football Focus grade on the team (87.9) with three pressures and half a sack. Connor O'Toole also impressed with a team-high six pressures and 1.5 sacks, earning a 77.9 grade.

At receiver, Montorie Foster Jr. had a diving catch in the end zone but couldn't control the ball; he finished with one catch for 24 yards. Cody White had a quieter night with one catch for eight yards and the muffed punt, while Emmanuel Henderson Jr. contributed on special teams with two kickoff returns for 24 yards and two tackles. Ricky White II had two catches for 22 yards.

In a roster move, the Seahawks waived running back Anthony Hankerson on Monday.

Looking Ahead to Kansas City

Coach Mike Macdonald indicated that the team may not play starters in the third preseason game at Kansas City, as they have gotten the work they need in practices and the joint session with the Titans. The Seahawks will hold two practices before traveling to Kansas City, where younger players and backups are expected to see significant action. The Spokesman-Review noted that Milroe could get the entire game against the Chiefs, similar to the approach last year.

Coaches are likely to prioritize health as they prepare for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener, making this final preseason game a key evaluation opportunity for fringe roster players.