RENTON, Wash. -- The Seahawks made an unusual roster move Monday, waiving wide receiver Phil Bates and re-signing receiver Bryan Walters.
It’s an odd change coming two days after the final cuts, because it seems that would have been part of the original roster reduction to 53 players. No reason was given, initially, for why it was done this way.
Some people were surprised that the Seahawks cut Walters, who has the ability to return punts and kickoffs. Bates (6-1, 220) did give the Seahawks a big-body receiver they need, but if rookie Kevin Norwood (6-2, 200) is healthy, he can help fill that role. Norwood, a fourth-round draft pick from Alabama, had foot surgery a month ago to remove bones spurs.
The Seahawks also completed their practice squad, filling out the final two spots with defensive end Julius Warmsley and defensive back Josh Aubrey.
Warmsley (6-3, 295) was with the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie from Tulane. Aubrey (5-10, 200) was spent last season on the Cleveland Browns practice squad as a rookie from Stephen F. Austin.
