Mike Macdonald sets aggressive ‘goal’ for Seahawks newly signed starter

The Seattle Seahawks, who were eliminated from the postseason the previous season, have set their sights on returning in 2024. They have entrusted Mike Macdonald with directing the team after they unexpectedly parted ways with longtime head coach Pete Carroll during the offseason. But it was evident early in training camp that Macdonald had a problem at center on his offensive line.

Olu Oluwatimi and Nick Harris were supposed to compete for the starting position, but neither player impressed, thus on Sunday the squad signed veteran center Connor Williams. Williams’ recovery from an ACL tear presents a challenge, as he might not be ready for the season’s opening game. Though he has set a rather aggressive target of getting Williams ready to go for the start of the next campaign, Macdonald doesn’t think that will be the case.

That is the current objective. We now have a fairly solid plan in place. He will spend the next week or two working with the sports performance team until we can get him up to speed for practice, but we’re

Mike Macdonald puts the pressure on Connor Williams

Getting Williams up to speed in time for Week 1 is going to be a tall task. Not only is he recovering from a torn ACL, but he also is just getting his first live action of the year, as he had been a free agent up until Seattle signed him. It’s safe to say that the veteran center has a lot of ground to make up if he’s going to be able to fulfill Macdonald’s goal.

When he’s at his best, Williams is a clear upgrade over both Oluwatimi and Harris, which makes this a shrewd signing by the team. He had a great season with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 in his first full season at the center spot, but his momentum was disrupted when he tore his ACL in Week 14 last season, and he’s been working tirelessly to get himself back on the field since then.

Well, Williams is back on the field now, but he has a tall task ahead of him when it comes to being ready for the start of the season. It remains to be seen whether or not this is a realistic goal, but Macdonald made it clear they will aggressive when it comes to getting the veteran center ready for action, and it will be interesting to see whether this decision pays off.