Julian Love Targets Sunday Return From Calf Injury as Seahawks Host Chargers

Seattle's Pro Bowl safety said he plans to play against the Chargers as long as his calf keeps improving after a one-game absence.

Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love said he expects to play in Sunday's home game against the Los Angeles Chargers, one week after a calf problem kept him sidelined for a 33-31 defeat to the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27. According to John Boyle of Seahawks.com, the Pro Bowler described himself as "feeling good" and said he intends to suit up, while acknowledging his availability hinges on how the week unfolds. Any final call belongs to the team's medical staff.

Love suffered the injury during a practice session and did not take part in workouts last Thursday or Friday, which led to him being ruled out of the Washington game. He was back on the field in a limited capacity Wednesday. Head coach Mike Macdonald termed the safety "day to day" on Monday, following a long rehabilitation workout completed by Love.

His status carries extra weight because of problems elsewhere in the secondary. Ty Okada has not appeared at all this season because of a hamstring injury and stayed out of Wednesday's practice as well, leaving Seattle in danger of missing both of the safeties it planned to start for the third game in a row.

Those absences pushed AJ Finley into his first NFL start against Washington, alongside Rodney Thomas II. Both players opened the year as reserves before injuries expanded their roles. Marcus Mariota threw three touchdown passes against Seattle that day, among them a first-half throw to Treylon Burks with Finley responsible in coverage, and Finley drew a fourth-quarter flag on a penalty that preceded the field goal that put the Commanders ahead.

Washington finished with only 258 yards of total offense, yet the Commanders kept cashing in Seattle giveaways. Love's absence was felt in how the defense communicated and aligned, with his skill at directing teammates missing during several key stretches.

Love's own numbers this season back up his importance. He has picked off a pass in each of Seattle's first two contests and has nine tackles plus three passes defensed. In the Sept. 9 season opener against the New England Patriots, his fourth-quarter interception put the Seahawks in position for the winning field goal.

The Chargers arrive at 0-3, and Justin Herbert has been inconsistent, with three touchdown passes and four interceptions through three games. Even so, his powerful arm and willingness to challenge defenses vertically will be a test for a Seattle secondary still managing injuries.

Having Love available would widen Macdonald's options. The veteran can handle deep coverage, line up close to the line of scrimmage, or shift his responsibilities after the snap — traits that suit a defensive approach built on disguising looks for opposing passers. Seattle committed to him financially with a three-year extension worth up to $36 million in 2024, per ESPN's Brady Henderson.

The Seahawks had a 12-game winning streak snapped in Washington, a loss that featured three turnovers, including a late interception brought back for a touchdown, and repeatedly placed the Seattle defense in unfavorable positions. Getting Love back would return a reliable playmaker for a home game that carries real significance, though how his calf responds through the rest of the practice week will settle the question.