Pregame news from Santa Clara: Josh Jones starting LT before kick at 49ers
After a scare earlier this week, the Seahawks aren’t down to their undrafted rookie third-string left tackle, after all.
Josh Jones was the starter in place of injured Charles Cross for the third consecutive week Saturday, in pregame drills about a half hour before Seattle kicked off at the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West title.
Jones had been questionable to play. He missed practices Tuesday and Wednesday with ankle and knee issues. Coach Mike Macdonald said the veteran swing tackle had gotten “banged up a little” last weekend in the Seahawks’ win at Carolina.
Jones began trending toward playing when he practiced on a limited basis Thursday.
The team signed rookie free agent Amari Kight from the practice squad to the active roster earlier this week, as insurance. He was backing up Jones in pregame drills Saturday.
Macdonald said Friday the Seahawks believe Cross will be able to play in their first playoff game. He’s been out since he injured his hamstring on Jason Myers’ game-winning field goal on the final play Dec. 14 against Indianapolis.
Seahawks inactives
There were no surprises in Seattle’s inactive players for the game Saturday.
They were quarterback Jalen Milroe, injured starting safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Jared Ivey, Cross, rookie offensive linemen Bryce Cabledue and Mason Richman and rookie tight end Nick Kallerup.
Ty Okada was poised to start again for Bryant, who has a knee injury. General manager John Schneider told the team’s radio network on the field during the pregame show Saturday the Seahawks expect Bryant also to be able to play in the first playoff game.
It was to be Oakada’s 11th start the season. The first nine were when safety Julian Love was out injured.
This story was originally published January 3, 2026 at 4:40 PM.
