Week 17 Inactives: Seahawks Deactivate Brandon Pili Again in Carolina

Seattle Seahawks tackle Brandon Pili (95) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Choosing to go on the lighter end along the defensive line for a second straight week, the Seattle Seahawks deactivated nose tackle Brandon Pili as a healthy scratch for their Week 17 road contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Playing in 12 games thus far, Pili has been a valuable depth piece for Seattle’s defensive line, contributing 10 tackles while also adding a forced fumble on kick coverage via special teams. But since Jarran Reed returned from injured reserve and rookie Rylie Mills came back from a torn ACL off the Non-Football Injury list earlier this month, the veteran nose tackle has been the odd man out numbers game-wise and will be in street clothes for a second consecutive game as a result.

Look for the Seahawks to give Mills a little longer leash in Carolina, as the fifth round pick will be playing in his third game since being activated following a lengthy rehab from knee surgery. Primarily playing inside as a defensive tackle, the rookie out of Notre Dame has played 13 snaps over the past two weeks and produced his first career NFL tackle in a win over the Rams in Week 16.

Away from Pili not suiting up, as already declared on Friday, the Seahawks will be without starting left tackle Charles Cross (hamstring) and safety Coby Bryant (knee). Neither player practiced this week and the team will turn to veteran blocker Josh Jones to protect Sam Darnold’s blindside once again, while steady reserve Ty Okada will jump back into the starting lineup next to Julian Love in Bryant’s stead, starting his 10th game of the season.

Wrapping up Seattle’s inactives, rookie guard Bryce Cabeldue and tackle Mason Richman will be healthy scratches with the team opting to elevate undrafted rookie tackle Amari Kight from the practice squad to play instead. Rookie defensive end Jared Ivey will also be sidelined with quarterback Jalen Milroe dressed as the emergency quarterback behind Darnold and Drew Lock, while Cam Akers will serve as the third running back behind Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet as a practice squad elevation.