No one does more during the Seahawks' practices than B.J. Daniels.
He might be listed as a quarterback on the practice-squad roster, but on any given snap Daniels can be found at wide receiver. Or running back. Or safety. And he returns kicks, too.
Daniels' versatility, dependability and perseverance are being rewarded, as he was signed to the 53-man roster on Monday to fill the spot that opened after rookie wide receiver Paul Richardson was placed on injured reserve after damaging his left knee in Saturday night's divisional playoff game against the Carolina Panthers.
"We're really excited to do that. B.J. is a guy that has been impressive to us all year long. It's a classic opportunity to reward a guy that's just been competing his butt off," coach Pete Carroll said in announcing the move. "Really, more than anything, it's great to reward a guy who's competed so consistently and so hard for us. So I'm excited to do that."
Daniels joined the Seahawks last October 2013, when he was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers – who had selected him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft that year. He was inactive for five games and then dressed but did not play against the Atlanta Falcons. Daniels was released Nov. 16 and signed to the practice squad two days later. He wound up on the practice squad again this season after being released on the final roster cut in August.
Now, Daniels has a chance to participate in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field.
"It's a blessing," he said. "I've been taught to just keep your head down and work hard and things will happen for you, eventually, the way they're supposed to. My dad taught me that a long time ago and I've tried to stay with it."
In what role Daniels might contribute remains to be seen.
"He's going to help us in a number of spots," Carroll said. "Of course he's the third quarterback, but we'll see this week how he works to fit in on special teams. He's a backup returner for us. He can play running back and wide receiver, as well. He's been doing that all year. So he's a very versatile guy for us to bring to life right now."
Offered Daniels, "I've been blessed with the God-given ability to do other things. Whatever the coaches have asked me to do each week, whether it's running the scout-team offense or playing running back, I do my best to prepare that week for our team."
Just how many spots has Daniels filled? "Probably every position there is," he said with a smile.
