97 Poona Ford DT

Ford generated three tackles -- 1.5 for a loss -- 0.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in Monday's 27-24 win over the 49ers.

The second-year pro now has 21 tackles through nine games, matching the 2018 total he produced over 11 contests. The defensive tackle consistently records around a 50-percent snap share, but Ford has yet to surpass three stops in a contest, making him an unappealing fantasy performer.

Ford (calf) will play in Sunday's game versus the Saints, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Ford missed Week 2's game versus the Steelers, but he's ready to return to his starting defensive tackle job. He's not a pass-rushing presence and made just two solo tackles in the season opener, so his IDP upside is limited. However, he'll be instrumental in slowing down Alvin Kamara and the Saints' duo of dual-threat quarterbacks -- Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill.

Ford (calf) was officially listed as inactive for Sunday's clash against Pittsburgh.

Ford was considered doubtful heading into the contest, so his inclusion on the inactives list doesn't come as a surprise. Now that he's officially been ruled out, Bryan Mone is again expected to get the start at defensive tackle, with Quinton Jefferson and Branden Jackson filling in as well.

Ford (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Steelers, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Ford's expected absence likely means undrafted rookie Bryan Mone will start at defensive tackles with no natural backups. As a result, the Seahawks will likely bump Quinton Jefferson and Branden Jackson to the inside.

Ford (calf) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Coach Pete Carroll hasn't ruled out Ford for Sunday's game versus the Steelers, but the team is exercising caution with their starting defensive tackle. The team has limited depth at the position, however, and undrafted rookie Bryan Mone may be inserted into a starting role if Ford can't go.

Ford suffered a calf injury during Sunday's game versus the Bengals and is week-to-week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ford started at defensive tackle for the season opener and was impressive while making two solo tackles. He's trending toward being unable to play Week 2 versus the Steelers, which would leave the Seahawks' defensive front depleted. If that's the case, Bryan Mone may start at defensive tackle unless the team decides to deploy either Quinton Jefferson or Rasheem Green on the inside.

Coach Pete Carroll said Ford will have a chance to start on the defensive line next year, Andy Patton of USA Today reports. "Poona had a great finish to the season," Carroll said. "Poona is legitimately going to play for starting time when we come back, and he'll be competing to do that."

According to Pro Football Focus, Ford was the top run-stopping defensive tackle over the final five weeks of the season. The undrafted rookie made 17 tackles (nine solo) in that span. His promising potential could make him an early-down asset for the Seahawks, who ranked 13th in the league in run defense in 2018.