Seahawks to face 49ers without key defensive players Nwosu and Murphy II

Why it matters: The absence of Uchenna Nwosu and Byron Murphy II leaves the Seahawks defense weakened as they prepare to take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Nwosu, the team's best edge defender, has been dealing with injuries since the start of the season, while Murphy II, a promising rookie defensive tackle, is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.

What's new: Both Nwosu and Murphy II are expected to miss the upcoming Thursday night game against the 49ers, further challenging the Seahawks' defensive capabilities.

• Nwosu previously missed the first four games due to an MCL sprain and had his season debut cut short by a thigh injury.
• Murphy II's absence deprives the Seahawks of a reliable interior presence on the defensive line.

Yes, but: The status of cornerback Riq Woolen, outside linebackers Boye Mafe, and Derick Hall remains uncertain, adding to the defensive concerns for the Seahawks.

• Woolen and Hall left the previous game with injuries, leaving their availability for the upcoming matchup in question.
• Mafe, despite his desire to play, is facing a tight decision regarding his participation.

What to watch: The Seahawks have struggled against the 49ers in recent years, losing five consecutive games since 2022, making the absence of key defensive players even more challenging.

What's next: The Seahawks will need to rely on their depth and adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for the absences of Nwosu and Murphy II.

• The coaching staff will closely monitor the progress of injured players and determine the optimal time for their return.
• The team may explore potential roster adjustments or seek alternative solutions to bolster the defense.

The bottom line: Facing the 49ers without key defensive contributors poses a significant challenge for the Seahawks, who will need to find effective ways to contain San Francisco's offensive threats. The upcoming game will test their depth and resilience on defense.

Seahawks to face 49ers without key defensive players Nwosu and Murphy II

Why it matters: The absence of Uchenna Nwosu and Byron Murphy II leaves the Seahawks defense weakened as they prepare to take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Nwosu, the team's best edge defender, has been dealing with injuries since the start of the season, while Murphy II, a promising rookie defensive tackle, is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.

What's new: Both Nwosu and Murphy II are expected to miss the upcoming Thursday night game against the 49ers, further challenging the Seahawks' defensive capabilities.

• Nwosu previously missed the first four games due to an MCL sprain and had his season debut cut short by a thigh injury.
• Murphy II's absence deprives the Seahawks of a reliable interior presence on the defensive line.

Yes, but: The status of cornerback Riq Woolen, outside linebackers Boye Mafe, and Derick Hall remains uncertain, adding to the defensive concerns for the Seahawks.

• Woolen and Hall left the previous game with injuries, leaving their availability for the upcoming matchup in question.
• Mafe, despite his desire to play, is facing a tight decision regarding his participation.

What to watch: The Seahawks have struggled against the 49ers in recent years, losing five consecutive games since 2022, making the absence of key defensive players even more challenging.

What's next: The Seahawks will need to rely on their depth and adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for the absences of Nwosu and Murphy II.

• The coaching staff will closely monitor the progress of injured players and determine the optimal time for their return.
• The team may explore potential roster adjustments or seek alternative solutions to bolster the defense.

The bottom line: Facing the 49ers without key defensive contributors poses a significant challenge for the Seahawks, who will need to find effective ways to contain San Francisco's offensive threats. The upcoming game will test their depth and resilience on defense.