Perhaps the biggest name Seattle Seahawks player with the most to prove has been wide receiver Dee Eskridge. Originally a second round pick, injuries and off the field concerns have limited his potential in the NFL. Talent has never been an issue for Eskridge, but what good is talent if you can’t stay on the field?
Such has been the case for Eskridge this preseason. Against the Chargers in the first preseason game, Eskridge had one rush for 22 yards but wasn’t able to haul in any of the three passes targeted towards him. As for the second game against the Tennessee Titans, he wasn’t even active due to (you guessed it) injuries.
However, in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, Eskridge flashed the potential that has kept him on the Seahawks roster far longer than fans might have assumed he would. Late in the second quarter, Eskridge turned a 17-10 lead into a 24-10 thanks to his 79-yard punt return.
DEE FOR THE TD!
A 79-yard return to the house 🏡 pic.twitter.com/w6jiaZFcpz
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 25, 2024
Eskridge also caught all three passes thrown his way for 19 yards through the air.
Now the ultimate question remains: was Eskridge’s performance on Saturday enough to secure his roster spot? Is the potential juice he can provide worth the proverbial squeeze in regards to his unreliable health? Given how long he has been on the team, and how little he has been able to produce – this summer included – it is hard to see a world where the answer is “yes.” Especially when considering how deep the Seahawks wide receiver room is.
It seems Eskridge himself is well aware of his precarious position on the roster bubble. He went into Saturday’s game with the mentality it might be his last. He spoke at length about that, as well as the punt return, during the postgame press conference.
Dee Eskridge, squarely on the Seahawks’ roster bubble, said he went into this game knowing it might have been his last time playing at Lumen Field. Here he was on his 79-yard punt return for a touchdown and getting carried off the field by teammates afterward. pic.twitter.com/fYRxnUdeXx
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 25, 2024
However, it should also be mentioned Eskridge seems to be a beloved player among his teammates. Whatever his future may be in this League, with the Seahawks or elsewhere, it appears he’s always going to have friends in Seattle. Friends who clearly understand the struggles he’s had in his career.
Dee Eskridge's @Seahawks teammates were PUMPED for his punt return TD 💚💙 pic.twitter.com/8AuTa4CWoN
— NFL (@NFL) August 25, 2024
