With two Pro-Bowl linebackers on this week’s injury report, the Seahawks added depth to that position group Friday, signing former Philadelphia Eagles starter Mychal Kendricks. Linebacker Jermaine Grace was waived/injured to make room on the 53-man roster.
Kendricks, 27, was a 2012 second-round pick out of California, where as a senior he earned Pac-12 defensive player of the year honors. He was selected one pick before the Seahawks took Bobby Wagner, an eventual three-time first-team All-Pro. Kendricks, who is 5-foot-11, 240 pounds, started 74 regular-season games over the past six seasons with the Eagles, as well as Philadelphia's three postseason games in last year's Super Bowl-winning season. Kendricks has starting experience at both weakside and strongside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, and was also an inside linebacker when the Eagles ran a 3-4 defense under Chip Kelly.
The Seahawks played without starting weakside linebacker K.J. Wright in their opener, as the former Pro-Bowler is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery that could keep him out again this week. Wagner was a new addition to the injury report this week, sitting out Thursday's practice with a groin injury.
The Eagles released Kendricks in May, and he then signed with the Cleveland Browns. Kendricks was released by Cleveland last month.
Grace, who the Seahawks claimed off waivers prior to the start of the season, played six snaps on special teams in Sunday's opener at Denver.
The Seahawks also made a change on the practice squad, signing linebacker Tre'Von Johnson and releasing running back Lavon Coleman. Johnson, 23, went undrafted out of Weber State in 2017 and spent last season on Dallas' practice squad before being added to the 53-man roster in Week 17. Coleman, who played at the University of Washington, was signed to Seattle's practice squad earlier this month.
