RENTON -- Seahawks top draft pick Malik McDowell sustained injuries in a recent ATV accident and remains in Michigan as training camp began on Sunday without him.
While the team declined to give many details about the incident, McDowell sustained a concussion and facial injuries in the accident, a league source confirmed to KJR.
"Unfortunately, Malik McDowell was involved in a vehicular accident in which he suffered an injury during the NFL break period," said Dave Pearson, Seahawks VP of Communications, in a statement. "As a precautionary measure, Malik has remained back in Michigan under the care of physicians there. Our medical people have have been in constant communication with his physicians and have been monitoring the situation. At this point it is important for Malik to stay at home and rest. We consider this a long-term relationship and will do whatever is in the best interest of Malik. We look forward to Malik's return to Seattle and will update you with any changes."
McDowell, 21, was selected by Seattle with the 35th overall pick in the second round of May's NFL Draft. McDowell posted on his Twitter account on July 17 "Just wanna thank the lord that I'm still here," which may or may not be a reference to his accident. However, the timing would make sense.
"I appreciate all the concern regarding my health," McDowell wrote in a post on Twitter. "I just want to clear the air. I am doing well and expect to join 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."
The team placed McDowell on the reserve/did not report list, which allowed them to add defensive tackle Rodney Coe to the roster in McDowell's absence. McDowell does not currently count against the team's 90-man roster limit.
"We're just really hoping that he has a really good recovery and all that," head coach Pete Carroll said. "We're on it and there will be more, I think, in short time."
Carroll did confirm that McDowell was at home and not in the hospital currently. However, he didn't say whether McDowell would be able to play this season.
"We'll wait and see. Let's see what's going on," Carroll said.
When he returns to the team, he will likely be placed on the active/non-football injury list until he's able to practice, with a corresponding move needed to open a spot for him on the team's roster.
Photo Credit: Seahawks second-round pick Malik McDowell gets coaching points from Senior Defensive Assistant coach Travis Jones during a rookie mini-camp practice on May 12, 2017. (photo by Curtis Crabtree / Sports Radio 950 KJR)