Seahawks camp opens with news of top rookie’s ATV accident

RENTON — Malik McDowell feels fortunate to be alive.

The “praying” Seattle Seahawks will feel fortunate whenever they see their top rookie draft choice again.

McDowell was involved in what the team termed a “vehicular accident” about two weeks ago in his home state of Michigan. For now, the uniquely athletic defensive lineman remains there and his status to play this season is unknown, following what The News Tribune confirmed was an ATV accident.

“Unfortunately Malik McDowell was involved in a vehicular accident in which he suffered an injury during the NFL break period,” a Seahawks spokesman read in a statement following Sunday’s first practice of training camp. “As a precautionary measure Malik has remained back in Michigan under care of physicians there. Our medical people have been in constant communication with his physicians and have been monitoring the situation. At this point it is important for Malik to stay home and rest. We consider this a long-term relationship and will do whatever is in the best interest in Malik. We look forward to Malik’s return to Seattle and will update you with any changes.”

That sounded ominous.

So did coach Pete Carroll’s answer when asked if there was a possibility the defensive tackle from Michigan State would not be able to play in 2017.

“We’ll see,” Carroll said. “We’ll see. I don’t know that.”

“It’s challenging,” the coach said, adding McDowell was home and no longer hospitalized. “He had extraordinarily high hopes to be here, be with us, and he’s not able to.”

NFL Network reported McDowell sustained “a concussion and facial injuries” in the accident.

McDowell went on Twitter from Michigan to downplay the serious and uncertain tone in Seattle.

“I appreciate all the concern regarding my health,” read McDowell’s statement typed into a phone and captured online in a photograph. “I just want to clear the air. I am doing well and expect to rejoin my teammates in Seattle in the next few days. My injury is not life or career threatening as some have speculated. I am grateful for the support I have received from the seahawks organization, my doctors and my family. You will see me back on the field in the near future.”

A source with knowledge of McDowell’s situation back in Michigan confirmed to The News Tribune he was involved in an ATV accident. NFL Network first reported that on Sunday.

The report came moments after a Seahawks spokesman read the statement that McDowell’s family approved — and while quarterback Russell Wilson was saying he and his teammates “were praying” for McDowell.

The Seahawks couldn’t say more about McDowell’s accident or his injuries because his family did not authorize the team to do so. Because the accident happened away from football, during the players’ six-week break that ended with Saturday’s training-camp reporting deadline, the team for now has less latitude in detailing his incident.

“Everything’s above board and cleared, what we are doing,” Carroll said. “It’s just going to take a little while. And just because it’s the first time there’s a statement that’s come out, we’re just honoring the family and how to handle this properly.”

The Seahawks placed McDowell on the reserve/did-not-report list. They signed defensive tackle Rodney Coe to take McDowell’s place on the 90-man preseason roster.

The 304-pound Coe was an undrafted rookie free agent last year with Dallas. He is out of the University of Akron.

The Seahawks used McDowell in Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett’s role during offseason workouts: a hybrid, speed tackle in passing situations to create mismatches against opposing centers and guards. And at 6 feet 6 and 299 pounds with slithery quickness, Seattle’s first pick in this spring’s draft at the top of the second round had been likely to get many mismatches in his favor in that specialized role..

Whether he still will this season was unclear Sunday, though McDowell’s message was positive.

“We’ll wait and see,” Carroll said. “It’s been a little while since the accident happened. But we are still waiting to figure all that out.”

Sunday’s news gave added meaning to what McDowell tweeted with a praying-hands emoji on July 17, now apparently after his accident: “Just wanna thank the lord that I’m still here”