Seahawks get early start on cuts, waive former UW star Alphonzo Tuputala

RENTON, Wash. — Monday marked one of the stranger practices of the season for the Seahawks.

While general manager John Schneider and the rest of the team’s personnel staff worked in the building on cutting the 91-man roster the team has had during training camp to 53 by Tuesday’s 1 p.m. deadline, coach Mike Macdonald and the coaches worked with the players on the field at the VMAC.

More than a few of the players who took the field for a Monday practice that was short and heavy on conditioning work won’t be around when the team practices again on Tuesday following cuts.

And a few weren’t on the field Monday, including three players who had already been waived — linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala, the former UW and Federal Way High star; linebacker Seth Coleman and offensive lineman Luke Felix-Fualalo.

All there were signed as undrafted rookie free agents. Reports of their waiving first surfaced elsewhere Monday and confirmed by the fact they weren’t on the field.

But Macdonald noted that many of those waived or released will hopefully be re-signed to the 17-man practice squad the Seahawks can begin assembling Wednesday, making for what is essentially a 70-man roster during the regular season.

“We’re looking at it through the lens of, ‘Hey, this is the 70, this is not the final 53,’’’ Macdonald said. “’(That) we need everybody in our building. All these guys have been awesome. This is the crew that we’re building for the long haul.’ It’s a big day for these guys, I understand that. Big couple days. But hopefully we have a longer-term view of their careers and we really appreciate the guys that have been here the whole time that have done a great job.”

Media get to watch only a short portion of practice consisting of early warmups and conditioning now that the Seahawks are into regular-season mode with the end of the preseason.

But among those seen on the field was veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has the subject of a lot of discussion about whether he could be a surprise cut or possibly dealt to a receiver-needy team.

The absences of some others was explained by injuries (more on which below).

But much was undoubtedly happening behind the scenes.

As Macdonald met the media he opened saying that he would for now refrain from answering questions about possible roster moves.

“I know you have a lot of questions about our roster and all the things going on right now, but I hope you understand, we’re going to keep it tight for right now and we’ll announce everything tomorrow (Tuesday),’’ Macdonald said. “We’re still working through the process of these transactions.’’

Macdonald said that he planned to meet with every waived or released player on their way out, hoping that for many, he’ll be saying hello again soon.

“It’s not like a doom and gloom,’’ he said. “That’s the whole point of the whole thing. This isn’t of course, where you want to be right now in your career, but this isn’t the end. This is another transaction that we unfortunately have to make at this point in this season. And give them some feedback on what’s going on. The conversations vary based on the person, but all our coaches and our personnel, they do a great job of keeping it real with the guy. Telling them the truth, telling them with love, and hopefully we’ll see him again real soon.”

Updates on Nwosu, Horton, Knight and more

Macdonald also offered updates on the injury situations for a number of players. Here’s the breakdown by player:

• Rush end Uchenna Nwosu was on the field with a helmet as practice began as he ramps back up after recovering from off-season knee surgery. He has yet to practice fully.

“He’s on the progression,’’ Macdonald said. “You think about Chenna, to me it’s like, we’re going to be the ones that have to make sure that we’re being responsible here and handling it, because he’s always going to be mentally ready to do more. That’s the type of guy he is.”

Asked when Nwosu will be back, Macdonald said he couldn’t say if he might be ready for the opener against the 49ers on Sept. 7.

“Let’s see how it goes,’’ Macdonald said. “We’re still two weeks away. He looks great. He’s in great spirits. We’re on the progression, but we’ve got to play it day-by-day at this point.”

• Weakside linebacker Tyrice Knight was also on the field with a helmet during the time open to the media as he also returns after sitting out the last few weeks with a knee issue and an undisclosed medical issue.

“Let’s see him practice a full practice first before we start making projections towards the game,’’ Macdonald said. “He’s projected to practice next week in full and we’ll see how that goes’’

Macdonald said Knight could be on a snap count week one if he makes it back.

“He’s going to do everything he possibly can to get the most out of those mental reps before he can go full speed,’’ Macdonald said. “We’re going to have to have a plan for it. It’s not ideal. We’re fortunate that it’s not more serious and he’s available to us, so in a way, we’re blessed that we’re going to possibly have him next week and then it’s something that we’re not going to be losing him long term, which would have been scary.”

• Rookie receiver Tory Horton remains out with an ankle injury suffered against the Chiefs on Aug. 15. Said Macdonald: “Tory is kind of on the Tyrice (Knight) timetable. He hasn’t practiced full, but is ramping up in the next week. Projected to practice full at some point next week, so we’ll play it by ear going into the game.”

• Receiver Jake Bobo was not present as he deals with an injury suffered against the Packers that has him in the concussion protocol.

“He’s doing great,’’ Macdonald said. “He’s in the protocol right now, and we’ll see how it goes. Considering everything with the way it looked and just watching the play in person, we’re really fortunate.”

• Nose tackle Brandon Pili was also absent as he deals with a chest injury suffered in the Chiefs game that held him out against Green Bay. Macdonald said Pili is on a similar timeline to Horton and Knight.

• Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins remains on the Non-Football Injury list with a back issue. Macdonald said it remains unclear when he may return.

“He hasn’t done intense football workouts yet,’’ Macdonald said. “That’s probably the best I can give you in terms of the timetable. It’s not like season-ending or anything right now.”

• Guard Christian Haynes also didn’t practice due to a pec injury. Said Macdonald: “Still working through the pec. Won’t give a timetable here. We’re still working through how long it’s going to be.”

• Defensive lineman Mike Morris also was out after suffering an injury that also has him in the concussion protocol during the joint practice Thursday at Green Bay. Said Macdonald: “He’s in the concussion protocol, so we’ll see how it goes in next week.