Overview
- The Seahawks announced the move after practice, with multiple outlets confirming the team placed Ouzts on injured reserve on Tuesday.
- ESPN reporter Brady Henderson and other outlets identified the issue as a neck injury that will keep Ouzts out for the 2026 season.
- Seattle used the roster spot opened by Ouzts’ IR placement to sign linebacker Aaron Smith to the active roster.
- Because Ouzts went on IR before the final roster reduction, the team cannot use one of the two preseason IR return designations under the NFL’s 2026 calendar to bring him back.
- Ouzts converted from tight end and logged 203 offensive snaps as a rookie but missed the NFC Championship and Super Bowl 60 with a prior neck issue, raising real questions about his long‑term availability and forcing Brock Lampe and Brady Russell to shoulder the fullback role this season.