It doesn’t seem that Ernest Jones is interested in sitting out the NFC West showdown with his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks’ star middle linebacker and former Super Bowl LVI champ dropped a hint on social media Tuesday in a now-deleted post featuring a GIF from Duke Deuce’s 2019 track Crunk Ain’t Dead. The clip shows the rapper being revived and leaping to his feet — a not-so-subtle signal that Jones is ready to return from the knee injury that sidelined him last week.
While Jones seems dead set on making the return, his coach was less unequivocal.
“Coach Mike Macdonald says they are taking it “day by day” to determine late this week if LB [Ernest] Jones (knee), CB Josh Jobe (concussion), and WR Tory Horton (groin, shin) will play Sunday at the Rams.” Greg Bell reported.
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Ernest Jones ‘Ain’t Dead’ Ahead Of Rams Showdown
Jones aggravated his right knee during Seattle’s matchup with Washington, and the team announced during the broadcast that he would not return. He sat out Week 10 as the Seahawks rolled past the Cardinals, with Seattle mixing in backup linebackers to navigate the game. Jones was officially listed as inactive before kickoff.
The next update will come during practice. A progression from limited reps early in the week to full participation by Friday usually signals a strong chance to play, while repeated absences often hint at a cautious approach. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s “day-to-day” designation leaves both outcomes possible, with the Seahawks likely waiting to see how Jones responds to treatment and on-field work.
Jones faced his old team twice in the 2024 season. In these matchups, Jones showed consistent defensive performance, recording 9 total tackles in both games. In Week 9, he had 6 solo tackles and 1 tackle for loss, and in Week 18, he contributed 1 solo and 8 assisted tackles, also adding a half-sack. His familiarity with the Rams’ offensive schemes seemed to benefit him, as he maintained steady production against his former squad, totaling 18 tackles and 1.5 defensive stops across the two games.
Linebacker Decisions Loom for Seahawks
Macdonald now faces a choice: keep Drake Thomas at weakside linebacker, where he paired with Jones for the first eight games, or reinstate Tyrice Knight, who excelled filling in next to the middle linebacker last week. Knight’s interior blitzes and two sacks forced two fumbles recovered for touchdowns in Seattle’s 35–0 lead over Arizona.
“Those are things we can work operationally,” Macdonald said, referencing previous snap mistakes, while praising the team’s ability to adapt without Jones. The returning Jones could restore full communication and versatility to Seattle’s defense, particularly in coverage and blitz schemes.
What to Watch For Rams Fans
Rams fans should track Jones’ practice participation closely this week. Limited-to-full practice reps typically precede a questionable designation with a real chance to play. If Jones returns, the Seahawks’ defense could be significantly more formidable, challenging Stafford and the offensive rhythm in a pivotal NFC West showdown.
The stakes are high for LA. Seattle comes to SoFi Stadium on November 16 for a pivotal NFC West clash, with both teams sitting at 7-2. The game doubles as a reunion for Jones, a former LAR draft pick. His presence shifts Seattle’s defensive dynamic: as the green-dot signal-caller, Jones orchestrates the front seven and enables more complex blitzes and coverage schemes that are harder to replicate with backups — a factor Matthew Stafford and the offense will have to navigate carefully.
“Crunk Ain’t Dead,” indeed — for Seattle, and potentially for a major test the Rams must navigate Sunday.
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