The Extra Point

RYAN NEAL

Ryan Neal understands this isn’t likely to last. That when he’s healthy, All-pro Jamal Adams will step back in at strong safety for the Seahawks.

But the impression Neal has made thus far makes it clear he’ll have a major role in Seattle’s defense even after Adams returns.

“What a great addition to this opportunity and to this defense to come in and do what he’s been doing,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He brings a lot with him. It’s not just athleticism. It’s the smarts, and his attitude and his character and all of that that’s added to it.”

Neal will make his second start Sunday night when the Seahawks play host to the Vikings. For now, he’s a placeholder, filling in while Adams recovers from a groin injury that will keep him out until after Seattle’s bye next week.

When Seattle signed Neal to its practice squad in September 2019, the team was enamored with his versatility. Neal was a safety coming out of college, but he made the switch to cornerback while on the practice squad with Atlanta in 2018. His aggressive style and 6-foot-3 frame fit the mold of what Seattle wants in its cornerbacks. They also saw his versatility being useful on special teams.

Neal was on the active roster for three games last season but again started this year on the practice squad. He was one of two players elevated to the active roster for Seattle’s Week 3 game against Dallas after backup safety Lano Hill injured his back. The move proved to be vitally important. When Adams went down with an injury in the fourth quarter, it was Neal who stepped in and made the game-saving interception in the end zone on the Cowboys’ final drive.

Last week against Miami, Neal made his first start since he was in college at Southern Illinois. He played all 71 snaps, had six tackles and grabbed his second interception in two games.