Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon Returns To Practice, But Concerns Remain

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the team's top draft pick, returned to practice after suffering a hamstring injury in early August

The Seattle Seahawks received a great update as they enter their first game week of the season.

Specifically, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, returned to practice on Monday for the first time in nearly a month. The former Illinois star suffered a hamstring injury on Aug. 7, but is now healthy enough to get back out there again.

Devon Witherspoon grooving’ at the start of his return to the field, the 5th pick in this year’s draft’s first practice since he injured his hamstring Aug. 7. His status for the #Seahawks’ opener Sunday still TBD @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/uK6mlEYMRE

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 4, 2023

Despite Witherspoon's return, it remains to be seen if he will play in Sunday's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. It is worth noting that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wasn't overly optimistic about Witherspoon's chances in a recent radio appearance.

“It’s going to be a race to get him for the opener. Might not get that," Carroll said on KJR Radio.

Furthermore, general manager John Schneider revealed on Monday that Witherspoon's injury has been "a concern," especially after he suffered a similar setback before the draft. However, Schneider added that Witherspoon is on the mend, and his strong mindset helps ease the general manager's worries.

© Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

“Physically? I guess, yes, because it’s a hamstring. Mentally? No, because he’s such a tough, gritty competitor, he’s going to go for it. If anything, we’re probably going to have to govern him a little bit,” Schneider said.

Witherspoon wasn't just the Seahawks' first pick in April, but the first defensive back taken in the entire draft. He dominated in his final season at Illinois, earning the Tatum-Woodson Award as the top defensive back in the Big Ten and earning consensus All-American honors. His shutdown ability, as well as his strong measurable, made him a can't miss prospect in this year's draft.

Witherspoon was also the last rookie in this year's class to sign with his team, even holding out at the start of training camp. After that, though, the Seahawks officially brought him into the fold just a few days later.

The Seahawks drafted Witherspoon to add onto their already impressive secondary, and even though they may have to wait a bit longer than expected to see that come to fruition, he is at least on the right track.