Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen may no longer be a guaranteed starter after his struggles in the team’s season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Mike Macdonald was asked if Woolen would remain in the starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
His response: “We’ll see. We’ll see.”
Woolen, a 2022 fifth-round pick and Pro Bowler as a rookie, has started 47 of the 49 games he’s played for Seattle. He burst onto the scene with six interceptions in his first season but has since struggled to match that level of consistency.
Costly Mistakes in Week 1
In Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, Woolen gave up two critical receptions on the deciding drive, including a 45-yard completion to Ricky Pearsall and the game-winning touchdown to tight end Jake Tonges.
“I could have just played the ball better,” Woolen admitted afterward. “I ran the route for him, and I knew what type of route it was. I’ve just got to execute and attack the ball and not lose track of the ball.”
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Woolen allowed three receptions on four targets for 73 yards and a touchdown as the nearest defender, equating to a 156.3 passer rating against. It was the second-most yardage he has ever allowed in a game.
Josh Jobe’s Rise
Woolen’s struggles came as cornerback Josh Jobe delivered a breakout performance. Jobe intercepted Brock Purdy, allowed just one catch for one yard on five targets, and played 61 of 76 defensive snaps after rookie safety Nick Emmanwori left with a high ankle sprain.
“Josh is ready to go,” Macdonald said. “He’s competing for more snaps, and I thought he played a tremendous football game. He played physical, smart, disciplined, and finished plays right.”
With Devon Witherspoon recovering from a shoulder injury, Jobe could see even more playing time alongside him if healthy.
A Pattern of Inconsistency
Woolen’s potential demotion is not without precedent. Last season, then-head coach Pete Carroll benched him in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings for performance issues and also held him out of the opening drive due to a team rules violation.
Macdonald has also adjusted Woolen’s role in the past, stressing the need for him to stay “locked in” on every play.
“I guarantee you Tariq Woolen is the No. 1 person that he wishes he made the play,” Macdonald said about the Week 1 touchdown. “He’s made some tremendous plays for us … unfortunately, the two plays he wants back are the ones near the end of the game.”
Woolen’s Response
When asked if he had received clarity about his role moving forward, Woolen deferred to his coach.
“I don’t know,” he said. “He’s the head man, so whatever he say, goes. I ain’t going to go against it. Other than that, I can just continue to be Riq and continue to be a great player [like] I have been doing.”
Secondary Facing Injuries
The Seahawks’ secondary already faces heavy strain. Witherspoon missed practice Wednesday with a shoulder issue, while safety Julian Love managed only limited work because of a groin injury. Emmanwori may also land on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games.
Despite Woolen’s struggles, the injuries may ensure he still plays a significant role Sunday — but whether he lines up as a starter remains uncertain.
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