Seattle Seahawks Rookie Safety Bud Clark Out for Entire 2026 NFL Season With Broken Ankle
Seattle Seahawks safety Bud Clark will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after suffering a severe right ankle injury during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Mike Macdonald and reports on X by NFL insider Ari Meirov.
The second-round pick out of TCU sustained the injury on the very first defensive snap of the game at Nissan Stadium while attempting to defend a run by Titans running back Tony Pollard. Medical staff immediately immobilized Clark’s leg in an air cast and transported him off the field. What initially appeared to be a multi-month absence following post-game evaluations quickly escalated into a season-ending diagnosis for the rookie defender.
Impact on the Seattle Seahawks Secondary
The injury halts a standout training camp performance for Clark, who had rapidly climbed Macdonald’s depth chart. Losing the versatile defensive back creates an immediate depth challenge for Macdonald and general manager John Schneider ahead of Week 1. The injury occurred during Seattle’s 19-16 exhibition loss to Tennessee, a game where the Seahawks’ reserves surrendered a 13-point second-half lead. Despite positive offensive flashes—including a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Lock to tight end Elijah Arroyo and a 69-yard touchdown run by running back Jacardia Wright—the defensive backfield depth takes a heavy hit with Clark’s absence.
Roster Strain and Additional Preseason Injuries
Clark’s diagnosis compounds a grueling week of injuries for Seattle. Head coach Mike Macdonald told ESPN that the team has suffered three “heartbreaking injuries” in a span of seven days.
The defensive losses include offensive guard Mason Richman, who left the Titans matchup with what Macdonald described as a “langwierig” (lingering/lengthy) injury. Furthermore, wide receiver Jake Bobo suffered a severe leg injury during training camp the previous week, leaving the Seahawks coaching staff to shuffle personnel as the regular season approaches.
The team returns to action as preparations for the 2026 campaign reach their final phase, leaving Seattle’s leadership searching for reinforcements to stabilize the secondary.
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