Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Bud Clark broke his right ankle and will miss multiple months after getting injured on the first play of a preseason game against the Titans in Nashville. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the diagnosis alongside a long-term injury to offensive lineman Mason Richman, compounding a brutal week of major roster losses.
The preseason carries an inherent cruelty, but few teams have absorbed quite as violent a blow before the season even begins as the Seattle Seahawks did over a punishing stretch in Tennessee. During a joint practice with the Titans, the Seahawks lost wide receiver Jake Bobo for the season with a right leg injury. Jake Bobo was carted off the field Friday from Seattle’s joint practice with the Titans and was placed on injured reserve Saturday. The physical toll escalated on Sunday night during the preseason matchup in Nashville, where the Seahawks saw safety Bud Clark and offensive guard Mason Richman leave with injuries during the 19-16 loss to the Titans.
Bud Clark Breaks Ankle on Opening Defensive Play
The defensive nightmare began immediately on Seattle’s first defensive play, when Clark broke his right ankle and Macdonald said he’ll miss months. The injury occurred on the Titans’ first play from scrimmage on a 9-yard run by Tony Pollard. Trainers put his leg in an air cast and he wore a vacuum splint on his right leg as he left the field, while players from both teams came up to the rookie before he was carted off the field.
“Just to know what he’s going to go through and the pain that he’s in, it’s just bigger than football at that point I feel like. And your heart breaks for your brother, so it takes a minute to regroup as a team. We just lift him up and he’ll be in our prayers.”
Clark was Seattle’s second-round pick and 64th overall out of Texas Christian. Henderson reports that another of the Seahawks’ backup safeties, Rodney Thomas II, underwent surgery last week to repair a fracture in his hand, though Thomas has a chance to return next week.
Mason Richman Sustains Long-Term Injury on Opening Drive
The offensive line absorbed an equally punishing blow when Richman went down on the opening drive and was helped to the sideline after getting his right leg checked while laying down on the field. Macdonald said they have to figure out what the specific issue is, but he called it a major injury, a long-term injury. It is unclear what Richman’s injury is, but Macdonald called it “long term.”
Richman is the backup to Grey Zabel, though he started at left guard against the Titans with Zabel not playing.
Macdonald Outlines a Tough Week for Roster Depth
“Two guys that we love, that play our style of ball, that are our type of guys. Teammates love ’em, great teammates, great guys, great football players. They have great futures. It’s a heartbreaker, honestly. We’ve had three heartbreakers this week, which is tough.”
Mike Macdonald, Seattle coach
Macdonald said after the 19-16 loss to the Titans that Clark and Richman were diagnosed with major injuries that will keep them out for months. We have had three heartbreaking injuries this week, Macdonald said, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
