Done Early: Mike Macdonald Feels Good About Where Seahawks Are Heading Into Training Camp

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After two days of mandatory minicamp this past week Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald felt comfortable enough with where the team is at that they didn't need a third day.

"Really couldn't be happier with the effort, Macdonald said after practice Wednesday.

"The effort, the intent, the energy, the attitude, all the things that we're asking them to do they responded every day and [I'm] just really excited about where we're at."

With the caveat that players weren't in pads during the two days the Seahawks took the practice field at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Macdonald didn't see the need to risk a potential injury with a handful of key players already sidelined.

Seattle practiced without both free agent linebacker additions Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker, along with third-year right tackle Abraham Lucas.

Dodson, a four-year veteran with the Buffalo Bills, has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury and hasn't participated in any of the on-field practices since signing with the team in March.

Baker, a former Miami Dolphins starter who has spent six years in the league — all with the AFC East team — had offseason wrist surgery and is also dealing with what Macdonald characterized as a "lower body" injury

Without either projected starter the defense has reportedly rolled out Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell, with the former standing out in the eyes of the first-year head coach.

"Jon's improved every day," Macdonald said of Rhattigan. "That's probably the highest compliment I could give him. That's what we want from the rest of the coaching, taking it to the field, taking the next step and then keep rolling."

Noting the third-year reserve linebacker will also have a significant special teams role with the team in 2024, getting reps with the starting defense will only help both players whether or not they hold onto those spots come September.

Thats the focus for Macdonald with the offseason practices the team has got, to lay the foundation in all three phases while getting a few key players fully healthy when the Seahawks need it when the regular season comes around.