Seahawks Rookie Benched for Disciplinary Violation — Hasn’t Played a Single Snap After Mike Macdonald’s Message on Standards
Seattle, WA – October 25, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks’ sixth-round rookie guard has yet to take the field this season — and now head coach Mike Macdonald has explained why.
Fans have been wondering why the young offensive lineman, who impressed during training camp, hasn’t appeared in a single game since being drafted. The answer, according to Macdonald, comes down to one word:
“He’s got ability, no doubt,” Macdonald said. “But in Seattle, details win games. He missed reads, broke assignments, and didn’t lock into the system. Around here, you don’t earn snaps with potential — you earn them by respecting the standard of the Seahawks.”
The player in question is Bryce Cabeldue, the 192nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, out of Kansas. Cabeldue signed a four-year, $4.25 million contract
At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Cabeldue built a reputation at Kansas for his consistency and toughness in pass protection, earning All-Big 12 honors his senior year. His college tape showed the kind of discipline and leverage coaches love — but translating that to the NFL has proven to be another challenge.
According to reports from team practices, Cabeldue has struggled with reading defensive fronts, missing blocking calls, and falling behind on playbook execution. Despite his natural size and strength, coaches have emphasized that understanding Seattle’s complex blocking schemes is non-negotiable.
Macdonald’s firm stance reflects his broader philosophy since taking over as head coach: accountability first, talent second. “We’ve got a culture here built on precision and effort,” he said. “You don’t just show up and expect playing time. You earn it through preparation, through focus, and by proving you understand what it means to wear this jersey.”
For now, Cabeldue remains inactive on game days, working closely with offensive line coach Andy Dickerson to refine his technique and mental discipline. The staff reportedly still believes he can develop into a long-term starter if he embraces the structure and tempo of the professional game.
Despite the benching, the team’s confidence in his upside hasn’t faded. “We drafted him for a reason,” Macdonald added. “He’s got the tools. But this league doesn’t reward potential — it rewards commitment. When he learns that, he’ll be just fine.”
In Seattle, the message is clear: talent gets you drafted, but discipline keeps you on the field.
Bills waive Super Bowl champion DE after one game, sign All-Big 12 replacement
The Buffalo Bills have made a defensive ends roster swap out for the third time this summer.
First, they sent undrafted rookie Hayden Harris packing in favor of bringing back former Buffalo practice squad member Kameron Cline. Six days later, the Bills
Now, Hollins, who signed on August 5, is out. The Bills waived the 29-year-old, who did not appear in a regular season game during the 2024 campaign, with an injury designation on Thursday. If unclaimed, Hollins will land on Buffalo's Injured Reserve list until a settlement can be reached.
In a corresponding move on the eve of their joint practice with the Chicago Bears, the Bills signed free-agent defensive end Nelson Ceaser to the 90-man roster.
Hollins, who was a teammate of current Bills Taylor Rapp and David Edwards with the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl 2021 season, has appeared in 67 regular season games since being drafted at No. 156 overall by the Denver Broncos in 2019.
Unfortunately, injury ended his Bills' tenure after only one week in camp. Hollins totaled 23 defensive snaps and six special teams reps in Buffalo's August 9 preseason opener. He made three solo tackles at the DE spot.
Hollins was not available to practice on Wednesday in Orchard Park
Meanwhile, Ceaser comes to the Bills after a spring league stint with the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas. The former University of Houston team captain initially joined the pro ranks as an undrafted rookie with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. He did not survive NFL cutdown day last summer.
In 2023, Ceaser ended his collegiate career by earning All-Big 12 Conference First Team honors after 9.5-sack campaign. The two-year starter totaled 41 career appearances for Houston. He becomes the second UH defensive lineman currently on the Bills' roster, joining former first-round defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
