Seahawks pregame vs. Rams: NT Brandon Pili inactive on what could be a run night
The Seahawks selected one, not two backup space-eaters in the middle of their defense against the Rams.
Seattle decided to leave nose tackle Brandon Pili inactive for its game Thursday night against Los Angeles for the NFC West lead and inside track to the conference’s top playoff seed.
That decision came as rookie fifth-round draft choice Rylie Mills played his second game this season. Mills made his NFL debut last weekend playing seven snaps on defense against Indianapolis. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee 12 months ago, ending his college career at Notre Dame.
He was a defensive end in college. The Seahawks have Mills playing inside more, at tackle.
The weather conditions at Lumen Field for the game — wet, with 18 mph winds forecast to gust up to 35 mph during the game — suggested running games and rushing defenses may be key.
Pregame roster moves
The Seahawks earlier Thursday activated wide receiver Dareke Young from injured reserve. Young was active for the game. He hadn’t played since Oct. 20 against Houston.
Young took the roster spot the Seahawks created when they waived special-teams player D’Anthony Bell this week. They signed Bell back onto the practice squad.
The team elevated running back Cam Akers and reserve offensive tackle Amari Kight from the practice squad to play Thursday night. Both were active for the game.
Rest of Seahawks inactives
No surprises beyond Pili: injured starting left tackle Charles Cross, quarterback Jalen Milroe, wide receiver Jake Bobo, linebacker Jared Ivey, guard Bryce Cabledue and offensive lineman Mason Richman.
As coach Mike Macdonald announced Wednesday: Veteran Josh Jones starting at left tackle for Cross, who missed the game with an injured hamstring.
This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM.
