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The Seahawks have officially signed C Lemuel Jeanpierre and DT Travian Robertson to their active roster. Both signings had been rumored since yesterday. To make room on the roster, Seattle released OT Andrew McDonald (his agents says the Seahawks plan to bring him back soon, if possible) and FS Steven Terrell.
Jeanpierre was a UDFA out of South Carolina in 2010 but didn't accrue his first season in the NFL until 2011 with the Seahawks. He has started eight games for Seattle at both the guard and center position -- five in 2011 and three last season. He's a versatile backup with a lot of experience in the system so his return is definitely timely, particularly with Max Unger working through a high-ankle sprain and knee tweak. Crazily enough, Jeanpierre has a shot at starting this weekend against the Cardinals in relief of rookie Patrick Lewis. Seattle's other center, Steven Schilling, is already on the IR.
Jeanpierre was placed on the Injured Reserve at the beginning of the season with a neck injury, and was given an injury settlement shortly thereafter. The way that the IR rules work: Injury settlements cover a designated amount of time for which the player should be realistically out of action (players are paid for a certain amount of weeks). After that settlement period ends, teams must wait an additional six weeks to re-sign that player (in effect, you release the player from you're injured reserve, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team, but he has to wait six weeks after the settlement period before signing with the team that released him). I have seen that Jeanpierre tried out in a few spots but luckily for Seattle, wasn't signed by anyone.
Meanwhile, Seattle boosts their defensive line depth by poaching Travian Robertson from the Falcons' practice squad. Robertson made some noise this preseason and apparently fans were very surprised and disappointed when he didn't make the initial 53-man roster in Atlanta.
Travian Robertson's strength has been really impressive since pads went on. He's been dominating centers in 1-on-1s. #aftc14
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) July 29, 2014
Every time I watch Travian Robertson this season, I'm truly impressed. He's a beast through 7 days of camp. #Falcons
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) July 31, 2014
Travian Robertson just beasted through Hawley twice. Robertson widely considered strongest player on team. #aftc14
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) July 28, 2014
Nevertheless, he ended up on the Falcons' practice squad. From what I've heard about him, he's extremely strong at 6'4, 304 pounds, and in known to be a stout run defender that can take on double teams and anchor the line (which is exactly what Seattle needs now that Brandon Mebane is on the IR).
Look for Robertson to add depth behind Kevin Williams and Tony McDaniel at the nose tackle spot.