G/C Mike Gibson has been signed to the active roster to take Russell Okung's spot now that he's on been placed on the Injured Reserve. Gibson started eight games for the Seahawks last year, and played in a total of 14. I was kind of surprised he was let go this season, so it's nice to see him back. He's a versatile, hard working guy - a bit undersized but should know a lot of the system already and can play multiple interior spots.
The move makes sense, as it's probably to grab some depth at center, which Gibson has played a bit. The Seahawks announced today that the new starting line will be LT Paul McQuistan, LG Robert Gallery, C Max Unger, RG Lemuel Jeanpierre, and RT Breno Giacomini. That leaves Gibson, Paul Fainaka, and Jarriel King as backups.
As for John Moffitt, as we noted earlier, he was suspended four games for violating the league's banned substances policy. He'll serve his suspension while on IR, in which essentially amounts to just a big fine (he loses four games' pay). His agent said the failed test was due to a hyperactivity medicine that he didn't clear with the league.
"Moffitt's agent, Michael George, said that Moffitt's suspension was due to his use of a prescription drug used to treat hyperactivity. George said that Adderall - the drug that Moffitt used - is banned under the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, unless a player has pre-approval from the league. Moffitt lacked that league approval, resulting in the suspension."
George added that they would have liked to appeal the suspension, but don't want to risk him missing games next season.
Finally, the Seahawks added two players - LB Keith Darbut and RB Jay Finley - to their practice squad. Per DraftBreakdown's Chad Davis, Finley is a "7th rd pick out of Baylor last yr...good size, decent speed, productive as a senior."
CBSSports' Hunter Ansley had this to say about the former Baylor running back:
"Positives: Coming off his most productive season after taking a step back in 2009. Is a quick runner with enough agility to wiggle past the front seven. Has a strong upper body and exhibits patience when hitting the line. Can lower his shoulder and bring a lot of power thanks to his pad level and active feet.
Doesn't go down on first contact, churns legs and maintains balance. Can change directions smoothly and never gives up on a play. Flashes some potential as a receiver out of the backfield despite limited experience in that role. Soft hands, smart, up field runner after the catch. Strong, balanced enough to hold up in pass protection."
Check out the Finley's profile for more.
Darbut is a 6'4, 230 pound linebacker/defensive end out of small-school Baldwin-Wallace. He was signed by the Bengals as a UDFA and has good speed. More here, courtesy of CincyJungle.
The small-school pass rusher fits the profile as a Seahawks' practice squadder - as ProFootballTalk put it, "Darbut participated at the Akron Pro Day on March 10. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, the 22-year-old Baldwin-Wallace team captain ran forty times of 4.38 and 4.40 with a 1.42 ten-yard split that would've bested all pass rushers at the Combine. He also recorded a 10-foot-6 broad jump and 38-inch vertical, benching 225 pounds 26 times."
Interesting anyway.