Seattle Seahawks Add Depth by Signing Linebacker Michael Dowell and Long Snapper Zach Triner
The Seattle Seahawks have made key adjustments to their training camp roster as they prepare for their upcoming preseason matchups. On Monday, the team officially announced the addition of linebacker Michael Dowell and veteran long snapper Zach Triner to their 90-man roster.
These roster changes were necessary following a series of developments within the team’s training camp over the weekend. Most notably, safety AJ Finley sustained a knee injury during Saturday’s practice session, which unfortunately led to him being placed on injured reserve. This move opens up one of the two required spots for the Seahawks’ latest acquisitions. Additionally, linebacker Seth Coleman was waived from the roster, clearing the second spot and allowing both Dowell and Triner to be signed.
Michael Dowell is a young player looking to establish himself in the NFL. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent after completing his collegiate career at Miami of Ohio. Although he didn’t make the active roster last year, Dowell was part of the Seahawks’ practice squad, giving him some familiarity with the system and the coaching staff. His return suggests the organization sees potential in his development and wants to give him another opportunity to compete, especially as the team evaluates depth and special teams talent during the preseason.
Zach Triner, meanwhile, brings a wealth of NFL experience to the Seahawks. Over the course of six seasons, Triner has played in 84 regular season games, making him a seasoned and reliable long snapper. His signing is particularly notable given the current uncertainty surrounding Chris Stoll, the team’s primary long snapper.
Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed Stoll’s absence from practice, revealing that he has been dealing with a back issue. “His back locked up,” Macdonald explained after Saturday’s session. “We’re not sure yet how long he’ll be out. He might be ready for next week’s game, but that’s still up in the air. We’ll have to evaluate his status as we get closer.”
Given the timing—just days before the Seahawks’ preseason opener—the addition of a player like Triner is both strategic and necessary. Teams often carry a second long snapper during training camp for competition or in case of injury, but Triner’s experience gives him a legitimate shot at sticking around longer if Stoll’s recovery is delayed.
These roster moves reflect the Seahawks’ proactive approach during the preseason. With injuries beginning to surface and competition intensifying, the front office is moving quickly to ensure the team maintains depth and continuity at critical positions. Finley’s knee injury is unfortunate, particularly for a player trying to make his mark in the league, but Seattle’s swift action to replace him and reinforce other weak spots illustrates how dynamic and unpredictable training camp rosters can be.
Looking ahead, Dowell will have to prove he can elevate beyond a practice squad role, especially with linebacker spots already hotly contested. Meanwhile, Triner will get the chance to showcase his consistency and reliability as a long snapper, particularly if he ends up handling those duties in the preseason games while Stoll recovers.
As training camp progresses and preseason play begins, both signings will be closely monitored—not just to see if they make the final roster, but also to evaluate their contributions toward a team aiming to bounce back strong in the 2025 NFL season.
Leave a Reply