DK

Metcalf

Speaking with The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar, Metcalf recounted new OC Ryan Grubb’s first scheme-related message for the team, saying “All right guys, I know we had explosive players, but we’re going to run the ball.” Metcalf went on to say he initially “got mad really quick,” but has come to understand the benefits of Grubb’s downfield passing attack. The news bodes positively for the Seahawks’ No. 1 RB Kenneth Walker III but fantasy managers with Seahawks WRs on their team should find consolation in Metcalf’s conclusion; “I think the foundation of running the ball first is going to open up everything else for me... [and] everybody else in the receiver room and the tight end room.”

Smith handled only one drive on the night but capped it with a 21-yard touchdown pass in the end zone to DK Metcalf. Smith also completed a 25-yard pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on his first completion of the night, looking very comfortable in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense. The Seahawks’ quarterback dealt with a hip injury earlier in camp but appeared to have fully recovered from whatever was ailing him. After throwing for 3,624-20-9 last season, Smith is hoping to recapture his 2022 form under a new regime that appears willing to let it rip. If the duo of Smith/Grubb click this season, fantasy managers who took shots on the Seahawks’ role players could benefit in a big way.

Grubb, who coordinated a Washington Huskies offense that was among the best in college football over the past two seasons, has been effusive with his praise of Smith, 33, during spring and summer practices, calling Smith “an elite quarterback.” “He has the traits to be able to push the ball down the field, quick release to get accurate, underneath throws and great understanding of the protection scheme,” Grubb said. “That’s one of the biggest assets: You come in and you have a guy like Geno that can execute your protection and scheme and take care of himself.” Dugar said Grubb believes Smith is “gifted enough, mentally and physically, to unlock everything Seattle wants to accomplish.” Rotoworld’s Denny Carter recently wrote about why Geno is among the league’s most underrated signal callers.

Macdonald told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero he wants to get the ball to Metcalf “a lot” this season and said new offensive coordinator Ryan Grub would use Metcalf across the formation. “He’s a big, imposing, fast, powerful receiver,” Macdonald said, adding the team wants to ensure opposing defenses have to “account for [Metcalf] at all times but it’s gonna be hard to find him.” Metcalf ran 84 percent of his pass routes from the boundary in 2023, in line with his career rate. He saw only 12 targets from the slot last season. More creative usage for Metcalf — including, presumably, more slot work — could be a boost to his fantasy prospects in a Seattle offense that could be surprisingly pass heavy under Grubb, for former OC at the University of Washington.

Metcalf was largely erased by the elevated zone rates of the Cardinals, ending his 2023 season with 66 receptions for 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns. Metcalf should remain a focal point of the offense in the 2024 season, particularly considering fellow wide receiver Tyler Lockett’s contract transforms into a $15 million base salary, making it a possibility the team moves on from the veteran pass-catcher in the new league year.

Metcalf had himself a nice day, but it could’ve been even better. He dropped a would-be touchdown in the corner of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Geno Smith placed the ball right in the bread basket, but Metcalf wasn’t able to bring it in. Metcalf will face the Cardinals’ defense in Week 18 as the Seahawks fight for their playoff lives.

Metcalf seemingly tweaked his back in practice earlier this week. He did not practice on Thursday and was not spotted on the field on Friday either. Still, the Seahawks were likely taking a cautious approach to his injury to get him ready for Sunday. He will rank as a high-end WR2 for fantasy purposes to close out the year.

Metcalf was added to the injury report on Thursday and did not practice. The Seahawks won’t kick off until the first window of games lock, so fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to the news cycle over the weekend for updates. If he can’t suit up, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will likely operate as 1A and 1B receivers for Geno Smith.

Coach Pete Carroll moves in the most mysterious of injury report ways, but you certainly take notice of a mid-week addition and subsequent DNP. For now, fantasy managers should consider it just more of Carroll’s gamesmanship, but Metcalf’s Friday status has obviously become important. Start making a back-up plan with the hope you don’t have to use it.

Metcalf was his typical physical and athletic self, at one point hurdling over a Titans defender from a near standstill after a stutter step. His touchdown was also an impressive toe drag catch in the back corner of the end zone that was initially ruled a drop. He was also instrumental on the game-winning drive, drawing a pass interference inside the Titans’ five-yard line to set up the final score. While the Seahawks have a lot of options, Metcalf does seem to consistently get the highest-impact targets, which makes him a WR2 in Week 17 against the Steelers.