Seahawks sign Shaquem Griffin back from practice squad to help pass rush vs. Cowboys
Shaquem Griffin is back.
As expected, the Seahawks filled their open spot on the 53-man active roster by signing Griffin off the practice squad Saturday. They did it in time for him to be available to aid their needy pass rush in Sunday’s home game against Dallas.
Griffin’s likely role is as a situational edge pass rusher for a defense that desperately needs more players besides blitzing All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to pressure Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Edge rusher was the role Griffin ended last season playing on third downs. It is more like the role he had starring at the University of Central Florida than the off-the-ball, strongside linebacker the Seahawks had him playing in his first two NFL seasons.
Seattle has one sack from a player in its defensive front seven so far this season: Benson Mayowa. The defensive end is questionable to play Sunday because of a groin injury, though coach Pete Carroll said Friday signs are Mayowa will be able to play.
The Seahawks also signed defensive back Ryan Neal off the practice squad to the active roster to be eligible to play against the Cowboys. New NFL roster rules for this COVID-19 season allow teams to sign one or two players from the practice squad to raise the roster limit to 54 or 55 players for games.
Teams can have up to 48 players active for each game this season, as long as eight of those 48 are offensive linemen.
The Seahawks waived Griffin early this month as part of their final cuts from the preseason. He cleared waivers and signed with the practice squad to begin the season.
Griffin is the twin, roommate and soul mate of Seahawks Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who is entering the final season of his contract. That and the fact Shaquem is the first one-handed player drafted into the modern NFL make his more than routine roster moves.
