Rookie defensive lineman Malik McDowell won’t play in 2017 after suffering a severe concussion in a July ATV accident, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters, including Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link). Carroll indicated in early October that McDowell still had a chance to see the field this season, but the Michigan State product hasn’t made enough progress in his recovery.
Seattle could certainly use help along the defensive line, as Cliff Avril is done for the season with a neck injury while while Dion Jordan is also batting health questions. The Seahawks also recently waived veteran end Dwight Freeney, so the club’s depth up front is lacking. McDowell, whom Seattle selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, could have potentially filled a vacancy on the interior or on the edge and helped a defensive line that ranks just 20th in adjusted sack rate.
Because McDowell will spend his entire rookie campaign on the non-football injury list, his contract will toll, meaning he won’t gain credit for the 2017 season. As such, the Seahawks will now control his rights through 2021 instead of 2020.
Wasted pick thanks to a dumb decision.
And waiving Dwight Freeney who was tearing it up on defense. Hmmm, what a bonehead move!!