Tariq Woolen return provides huge boost to stacked Seahawks secondary

Even with Tariq Woolen on the sidelines, Pete Carroll has expressed delight with the depth in Seattle's cornerback group. Now the Seahawks have him back. Woolen, who recorded a league-high six interceptions last season in a spectacular rookie year, passed his physical on Sunday, enabling the Seahawks to activate him off the Physically Unable to […]

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September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen (27) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even with Tariq Woolen on the sidelines, Pete Carroll has expressed delight with the depth in Seattle's cornerback group.

Now the Seahawks have him back.

Woolen, who recorded a league-high six interceptions last season in a spectacular rookie year, passed his physical on Sunday, enabling the Seahawks to activate him off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

And Woolen was quickly back on the field for Sunday's practice, joining a secondary group that has looked impressive throughout training camp.

He had been placed on PUP after undergoing surgery on a knee injury suffered in offseason workouts.

Woolen is almost certain to be one of the starting outside corners having thrived in that role in his first year. Mike Jackson looks to be the leading contender to start across from him, as rookie fifth overall pick Devon Witherspoon appears to be in competition with Coby Bryant for the starting nickel role.

But Witherspoon brings inside-out versatility the Seahawks have already started harnessing in camp. Tre Brown is also in the mix on the outside and former Steelers first-round Artie Burns has flashed as Seattle prepares to try to contend in the NFC after last season's Wild Card exit.

There are likely to be plenty of moving parts this season in a deep and versatile secondary but, now his knee problems are behind him, Woolen is a piece the Seahawks will look to keep in place throughout the campaign.

Featured Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports