Seahawks Sign Linebacker Josh Ross to Practice Squad

The Seattle Seahawks added linebacker Josh Ross to the practice squad while releasing guard Evan Beentsen.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration of a Seattle Seahawks linebacker in navy and neon green during a practice drill, rendered in gestural brush strokes. — The Seattle Seahawks added linebacker Josh Ross to the practice squad Tuesday, aiming to bolster depth following injuries to several key players. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran linebacker Josh Ross to their practice squad to bolster depth following multiple injuries. To make room for the addition, the team released rookie guard Evan Beentsen.

Why it matters

The move aims to provide immediate coverage at the linebacker position due to injuries affecting Drake Thomas, Chazz Surratt, and Tyrice Knight. Ross brings experience as a depth option, having played in 22 career NFL games.

Josh Ross has accumulated 22 career appearances in the NFL, including 10 games played for the Seattle Seahawks during the 2024 season. He joins Jimmy Ciarlo as the second off-ball linebacker currently assigned to the practice squad.

The players

Josh Ross

He is an NFL linebacker who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks.

Evan Beentsen

He is a rookie guard and former Northwestern player who was released from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.

Seattle Seahawks

The professional football team based in Seattle that competes in the NFC West division of the NFL.

The details

Josh Ross, who went undrafted out of Michigan in 2022, was previously claimed off waivers by Seattle in 2024 and spent the 2026 preseason with the Minnesota Vikings. The team released Evan Beentsen, a Northwestern product, to accommodate the roster change.

Josh Ross went undrafted out of Michigan in 2022.
Ross played 10 games for the Seattle Seahawks during the 2024 season.
Josh Ross was with the Minnesota Vikings during the 2026 preseason.
The Seattle Seahawks signed Josh Ross to the practice squad on October 21, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This roster move reflects the ongoing challenge for the Seahawks to manage depth as they navigate a season marked by injuries to key linebackers. Maintaining a flexible practice squad is critical for the team to sustain performance levels while core players remain unavailable.

The addition of Ross provides an emergency option for the active roster should the injuries to Chazz Surratt, Drake Thomas, or Tyrice Knight persist. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the team injury report for confirmation on who will occupy the active linebacker rotation in upcoming games.

The takeaway

Team depth is essential during an injury-plagued season, and organizations often rely on veteran practice squad players to fill unexpected gaps. Keeping an experienced player like Ross in the system allows the team to maintain stability without immediate long-term roster commitments.