The Seattle Seahawks released starting inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday and added cornerback Josh Jobe to the active roster from the practice squad.
Dodson, 26, started all nine games in his first season with Seattle, leading the defense with 71 tackles, including five tackles for loss and two sacks.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said cutting Dodson was a “tough” decision, but their recent bye week helped them decide to give younger players a chance to play.
“We really appreciate T-Dod. He’s worked extremely hard, rehabbed throughout the offseason here,” Macdonald said.
“I think it was an opportunity for us, when we kinda sat and took a step back and realized where we were at, it was really the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys in the room an opportunity to step up.
I hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and take it and run with it. And then it gives Tyrel an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong.”
Rookie Tyrice Knight will get the first chance to start at the weakside linebacker position when Seattle (4-5) plays the San Francisco 49ers (5-4) on the road Sunday after the bye week.
Dodson spent his first four NFL seasons as a part-time starter with the Buffalo Bills. In 68 career games (24 starts), he has recorded 214 tackles (16 for loss), 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Jobe, 26, is in his first year with Seattle after two years with the Philadelphia Eagles. In three games with the Seahawks this season, he has 17 tackles, four pass breakups, and his first career interception.
On Monday, the Seahawks also placed safety K’Von Wallace (ankle) on injured reserve, signed tight end N’Keal Harry to the practice squad, and claimed defensive tackle Brandon Pili off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.
