The Seattle Seahawks will be without Leonard Williams against the Las Vegas Raiders, removing a major defensive obstacle for Fernando Mendoza ahead of his first NFL start. Williams missed every practice this week with a stinger and was officially ruled out Friday, leaving Seattle to adjust its defensive front for Sunday’s matchup.
His absence is one of four confirmed setbacks for the Seahawks. Quarterback Sam Darnold, left tackle Charles Cross and guard Quenton Nelson are also out, creating challenges on both sides of the ball as Seattle heads to Las Vegas.
For Mendoza, Williams’ unavailability represents a favorable development rather than a guarantee of an easier afternoon. Seattle still has defensive personnel capable of disrupting the rookie, but losing an established interior presence changes the protection equation.
Leonard Williams’ absence gives Fernando Mendoza breathing room
Williams’ recovery has not progressed enough for a return to contact. Head coach Mike Macdonald explained Friday that the defensive tackle can move around and maintain his conditioning, but the injury remains an obstacle to playing.
“It’s one of those things where it’s not good until it is. It’s not good yet,” Macdonald said. “Stingers are more of a contact thing.” He added that Williams remains involved in meetings while working to stay fresh.
That leaves Mendoza with one fewer disruptive defender to account for in his starting debut. The Raiders opened the door for the No. 1 overall pick by trading Kirk Cousins to Minnesota this week, making Sunday the beginning of a new chapter at quarterback.
From a matchup standpoint, Williams’ absence could help Las Vegas maintain a cleaner pocket through the middle. Interior penetration can force a quarterback off his spot before routes develop, complicating reads and reducing throwing space. Avoiding those disruptions would help Mendoza settle into his first start.
Seattle, however, views the unfamiliar quarterback as a preparation challenge of its own. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II noted the limited professional film available on Mendoza while emphasizing that the rookie can make every throw. Murphy stressed coordinated pressure and communication as priorities.
The Seahawks received encouraging news elsewhere up front. Uchenna Nwosu progressed from two limited sessions to full participation Friday and carries no game designation. Brandon Pili also returned to full work after missing Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury, providing available depth without replacing Williams’ individual impact.
Seahawks injury report leaves offense facing significant adjustments
Darnold missed all three practices with rib and quadriceps injuries. Drew Lock is expected to start again despite managing right elbow and oblique issues. Lock remained limited throughout the week but received no game designation.
Protecting him becomes more complicated without Cross and Nelson. Cross briefly returned for limited work Thursday before sitting out Friday with his ankle injury. Nelson did not practice all week because of his knee issue. Anthony Bradford offered better news, advancing to full participation Friday after two limited sessions.
At receiver, Rashid Shaheed practiced fully throughout the week despite a knee injury. Jaxon Smith-Njigba returned to full work Thursday and Friday after Wednesday’s rest day. Neither has a game designation.
The remaining defensive updates were largely positive. Patrick O’Connell and Connor O’Toole finished with full practices after earlier limitations. Jarran Reed returned Friday following two personal absences.
Derick Hall missed Friday after two limited sessions with a back injury, but he also carries no game designation. That distinction leaves Seattle with four confirmed absences and no additional players officially listed as questionable.