Seahawks rookie safety Clark lost for season after broken ankle
Seattle Seahawks safety Bud Clark will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a broken ankle in Sunday's preseason game. The second-round pick was placed on injured reserve along with offensive lineman Mason Richman, who also has a season-ending injury. Ty Okada is expected to start alongside Julian Love in the secondary.
Clark, selected 64th overall out of TCU, had been working regularly with Seattle's first-team defense throughout training camp and was positioned to help replace Coby Bryant, who departed in free agency. His injury compounds an already thin safety group, as Rodney Thomas II is sidelined with a hand issue and Nick Emmanwori continues recovering from offseason ankle surgery. The Seahawks, defending champions opening their season September 9 against New England, have recently added cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Terrion Arnold to bolster secondary depth.
The team placed three players on injured reserve within days: Clark, offensive lineman Mason Richman, and wide receiver Jake Bobo, who suffered a serious knee injury during a joint practice. Richman, a seventh-round pick in 2025, appeared in only two games last season and was expected to provide offensive line depth. Ty Okada, who started 11 games last year, is the leading candidate to start alongside Julian Love.
This injury could affect the Seahawks' defensive performance early in the season, potentially influencing competitive balance in the NFL. Fans in Seattle may feel disappointment, while the team's front office may face pressure to sign additional defensive backs. The broader pattern of preseason injuries across the league could renew discussions about the timing and necessity of preseason games, though no specific policy changes are indicated.