During a recent practice session, Coach Brian Daboll provided an update on the status of several key players ahead of the upcoming season. Some players are missing practice due to personal reasons, while others are being managed carefully for health-related concerns. For example, defensive lineman Elijah Chatman was absent due to a personal matter but was expected back the same day, and Jordon Riley continues to focus on rehabilitation efforts.

Running back Cam Skattebo is currently not practicing, as the coaching staff decided to manage his condition carefully, ensuring he recovers properly. Daboll clarified that Skattebo’s current situation is different from the issue he had in the spring and assured that it is injury-related but under control.

Practice Challenges: Penalties and Discipline Under Scrutiny

Coach Daboll acknowledged a rise in pre-snap penalties during the latest practice, particularly false starts and defensive offsides, which disrupted the flow of the drills. Although he viewed the overall practice as productive with good execution, these mistakes stood out and require correction. He remarked that the team must work harder to eliminate these costly errors, especially on critical plays, to maintain momentum and discipline on the field.

Daboll explained that some of the penalty-focused conditioning, where players were made to run, was part of a pre-planned routine rather than a spontaneous consequence. Going forward, the team’s preparation will be tailored based on ongoing discussions with executive director of player performance Aaron Wellman, ensuring that the responses are strategic and appropriate.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart’s Cadence and Decision-Making Evolve

The issue of defensive offsides penalties has been linked by some to the cadence of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who uses varying voice inflections and timing to disrupt the defense. Daboll praised Dart’s effectiveness, noting that he has done a good job mixing up his cadence and making it difficult for defenders to anticipate the snap. He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline on defensive players to counteract such tactics.

Regarding Dart’s development, Daboll highlighted that the quarterback has been given freedom in the offensive scheme to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage based on what the defense shows. Dart and the other quarterbacks are encouraged to identify better options in real time—whether switching from run to pass or altering protection—improving the offensive adaptability during practice.

The coach also noticed that Dart has become more decisive in recent practices, attributing this to increased reps, familiarity with the playbook, and his ability to read defenses quickly and make positive plays. Daboll stressed the importance of moving the ball forward while avoiding costly negative plays such as sacks or forced throws under pressure.

Strategic Use of Mobile Quarterbacks to Keep Defense Off-Balance

Daboll explained that incorporating quarterback runs is designed to exploit the athleticism of their quarterbacks and keep defenses guessing. Although the team is not focused on any particular opponents in this phase, the practice aims to prepare both offense and defense for a range of scenarios by emphasizing versatility and readiness.

While quarterbacks run during practice without the risk of contact, Daboll noted that this situation does not create a false sense of security for someone like Jaxson Dart, who naturally plays aggressively. The transition to live game action, where hits are unavoidable, will test that instinct further.

Similarly, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson continues to show that his running ability remains an asset. Daboll pointed out that Wilson is athletic and capable of extending plays with his mobility, which adds another dimension to the offense beyond designed runs, including scrambling and evading defenders.

Preparing Receivers for Improvised Plays and Scramble Situations

To adapt to quarterbacks’ improvisation in live game environments, the coaching staff incorporates specific drills during practice. Daboll revealed that scramble drills are regularly used during OTAs and training sessions to help receivers like Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton become more comfortable responding to unpredictable quarterback movement.

This approach reflects the modern game’s demands, where pockets often collapse unexpectedly, and the ability of quarterbacks to create plays on the fly has become a critical skill. Daboll emphasized that most successful quarterbacks in the NFL today possess this agility and ability to improvise, enhancing their effectiveness downfield.

Updates on Key Offensive Line and Running Back Personnel

Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas is making steady progress in his recovery and is expected to return to practice with the team when he is fully prepared. The coaching staff remains patient but optimistic about his readiness for upcoming games.

The running back group, consisting of Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and Cam Skattebo, offers versatile skill sets that allow each player to contribute in multiple aspects of the offense. Coach Daboll appreciates this adaptability, noting that rather than having specialized roles such as a third-down back or a short-yardage back, these players are all capable of running, blocking, and catching.

This multifaceted ability makes the rushing attack more dynamic and less predictable, enhancing the team’s options on both early downhill runs and passing situations. Daboll further explained that when a team has backs who can do a range of tasks fluidly, it prevents defenses from anticipating plays, increasing the offense’s overall efficiency.

Looking Ahead: Building Discipline and Offensive Flexibility

The team is focused on refining fundamentals, especially in eliminating penalties that disrupt drives, while continuing to develop versatile offensive schemes centered around mobile quarterbacks and multi-talented running backs. As players regain health and gain more reps, coaches foresee improved execution and decision-making on the field.

This period of intense preparation sets the stage for a competitive season, with careful management of player availability and targeted drills aimed at strengthening both mental and physical aspects of the game. The film and coaching staff will continue to assess readiness and adapt strategies to maximize performance once the season begins.