Seahawks sign a fullback, waive rookie tight end

August 7, 2026 - 00:39

The Seattle Seahawks made a quiet roster move on Tuesday, signing veteran fullback Nick Bellore to the active roster. The corresponding move was waiving rookie tight end Michael Ezeike, who had been with the team through training camp and the early part of the regular season.

Bellore is a familiar name to Seattle fans. He spent three seasons with the team from 2019 to 2021, primarily as a special teams ace and occasional fullback. He left in free agency and spent the last two years with the Carolina Panthers. Now he is back in the Pacific Northwest, and his arrival likely signals something about the health of rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts.

Ouzts has been dealing with a groin injury since the preseason. He was placed on injured reserve at the start of the season, which meant he had to miss at least four games. That window is now open, but the team clearly does not feel he is ready to return. Instead of waiting on him, the Seahawks are bringing in a proven veteran who can step in immediately.

Bellore is not a dynamic offensive weapon. He is a blocker and a special teams contributor. At 35 years old, he is not the future, but he is reliable. The coaching staff knows exactly what they are getting with him. That is often more valuable than potential when you are trying to win now.

For Ezeike, this is a tough break. He showed some flashes in the preseason, but the roster numbers did not work in his favor. He will likely clear waivers and could land on the practice squad if he is willing to wait for another opportunity. The tight end room is already crowded with Noah Fant, AJ Barner, and Brady Russell, so there was not much room for a developmental player.

The move does not change the offensive identity much. The Seahawks still run a spread-heavy attack, and fullbacks are not a big part of the game plan. But having one on the roster gives them a different look in short-yardage situations and on special teams. Bellore can also play linebacker in a pinch, which adds depth in an emergency.

Seattle will host the New York Giants this Sunday. Bellore will likely be active and contribute on kickoff coverage and maybe a few offensive snaps. It is a low-risk signing that adds a steady hand to a young roster. As for Ouzts, his timeline is still unclear. The team has not given a firm update, but the Bellore signing suggests they are not expecting him back soon.