The Seattle Seahawks made a long-awaited move on Wednesday, activating veteran tight end Ed Dickson off the injured reserve, a mere hours before the deadline that would have prevented him from playing all season.
In order to make room on the roster, the team waived nickel cornerback Jamar Taylor.
After clearing the 53-man roster, Dickson began the season on the injured reserve with a knee injury for the second year in a row. He returned last year and hauled in 12 receptions (on 13 targets) for 143 yards and three touchdowns – serving primarily as a run-blocker.
The Seahawks will certainly hope for more of the same from the veteran, who will be counted on in a big role following the season-ending injury to Will Dissly and the current hamstring injury that Luke Willson is battling.
Taylor struggled in Seattle’s last game against San Francisco out of the nickel position, and the recent performance of rookie Ugo Amadi may have prompted his release.
“He’s one of those guys that have been with us long enough, it’s time for him to get some more opportunities,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said regarding Amadi on Monday. “Still a great competitor for us on a number of positions for us for playtime. Coming off the break we have a chance to revisit some of that stuff so, if it fits with different positions, and guys, and individuals, we’re looking to take advantage of that.”
Taylor signed with Seattle this offseason, got cut, and signed back with the team after Week 1. He’s played in nine games this year, recording 20 combined tackles and three passes defended, but has struggled in pass coverage.
The Seahawks also added linebacker Pita Taumoepenu to the practice squad, taking the spot vacated by Adrian Colbert’s departure to Miami.
Taumoepenu was a sixth-round pick by the 49ers back in 2017. He spent training camp with the Cardinals but was waived/injured during roster cuts and eventually waived off the injured reserve in September.
