Seahawks Hoping to Activate TE Ed Dickson This Week

Returning from knee surgery, Dickson will bring much-needed stability to the tight end position after Seattle lost starter Will Dissly to an Achilles injury.

There’s still a chance the Seahawks could pull the trigger on another trade before the 1 PM PST deadline, but even if they don’t, reinforcements are coming on offense.

According to coach Pete Carroll, veteran tight end Ed Dickson will return to practice this week after missing the first eight weeks of the season. He underwent knee surgery in August and has been on injured reserve since Week 1.

“He’s going to go this week.” Carroll told reporters on Monday. “We’re bringing Ed back in with the thought to give him a chance to practice with the chance to play.”

After losing starter Will Dissly for the season to a ruptured Achilles tendon in Week 6, the Seahawks will gladly welcome back Dickson to bolster depth at the position. Currently, the team only has Luke Willson and Jacob Hollister as true tight ends on the active roster, though tackle George Fant can also play there in a pinch.

The 32-year old Dickson will be looking to replicate his success from a year ago, as he rejoined Seattle in Week 8 last season coming off the Non-Football injury list. After being activated, he caught 12 passes for 143 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a game-winning score against the Packers.

Carroll couldn’t guarantee Dickson would suit up against the Buccaneers this weekend, but after a rigorous rehab over the past several months, the Seahawks are hopeful he’ll be able to make his season debut on Sunday.

“He’s been preparing for the workload. Very optimistic that he could, if he can make it through the week. We’re going to see how he handles the workload. We don’t know about that, of course. His mindset is on plan.”

If and when Dickson is activated, the Seahawks will likely have to make a corresponding roster move. Center Justin Britt will be heading to injured reserve after tearing his left ACL, but that roster opening will be promptly filled when the team inevitably signs a new backup for Joey Hunt.

With seven receivers on the 53-man roster, the Seahawks could be forced to cut ties with rookie Gary Jennings to create a spot for Dickson. The fourth-round pick out of West Virginia was nearly waived earlier this season, but the team chose to waive defensive tackle Bryan Mone instead.