The Seattle Seahawks elevated offensive tackle Bobby Hart from their practice squad on Saturday, Nov. 14, ahead of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The move gives Seattle added depth on an offensive line that remains without one of its top players. The team also elevated cornerback Trevon Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowler.
This is Hart’s third consecutive elevation. He has made 75 career starts and played in 108 NFL games for the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers. Seattle signed the seventh-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft in June. Hart appeared in all three preseason games before being released during final roster cuts, then rejoined the team’s practice squad on Sept. 3.
## Hart Provides Cover While Charles Cross Sits Out
Hart has become a regular part of Seattle’s game-day plans since starting left tackle Charles Cross suffered an ankle injury. Josh Jones has filled in for Cross, with Hart serving as backup tackle.
Cross was ruled out against the Raiders, marking his third consecutive missed game. He briefly returned to practice Thursday but did not participate Friday, leaving Jones in line to start again and Hart available as insurance.
## Seahawks Face a Roster Decision After Hart’s Third Elevation
NFL rules allow a team to elevate a practice-squad player for up to three regular-season games without signing him to the 53-player roster. Hart has reached that limit. If Seattle wants to use him in another game, it must first sign him to the active roster, which would require a corresponding roster move.
The Seahawks have a Week 11 bye before facing the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 29, giving Cross additional time to recover. His return would ease pressure on the team’s tackle depth, though it remains unclear whether he will be ready after the bye.
Seattle is also managing other injuries. Quarterback Sam Darnold, guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle Leonard Williams were ruled out against Las Vegas. Hart gives head coach Mike Macdonald an experienced tackle familiar with the team, while his future role may depend in part on Cross’s recovery.
