The Seattle Seahawks have promoted veteran cornerback Artie Burns and safety Marquise Blair from their practice squad in preparation for their season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Burns, who is anticipated to be the team’s fourth cornerback behind Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, and Tre Brown, was originally cut from the 53-man roster on August 27 but rejoined the practice squad the following day. He began last season on the practice squad as well before being elevated for the opener, eventually signing to the 53-man roster after two games and playing 14 games total, including one start. Despite a toe injury sustained in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on August 24, his promotion suggests he’s fully recovered.
Although Burns has primarily played as an outside corner throughout his career, he spent 33 of his 43 preseason snaps in the nickel position. With 39 career starts across eight NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Seahawks, he adds significant experience to the team’s young cornerback group.
Blair, a 2019 second-round draft pick by the Seahawks, is returning for a second stint with the team after re-signing on July 26. Initially, he spent three seasons with Seattle but was limited to 22 games due to injuries. After being waived before the 2022 season, he had brief stints on the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles practice squads, and was not on an NFL roster until rejoining Seattle this summer.
With starters Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins, and backups K’Von Wallace and Coby Bryant, the safety group gains additional depth from Blair, especially with Jenkins dealing with a calf injury earlier in the week. Jenkins was listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice.
According to NFL rules, players can be elevated from the practice squad up to three times per season before needing to be signed to the 53-man roster.