Quandre Diggs will play, Austin Blythe OK, but one Seahawks starter out for Atlanta game

With Jamal Adams already out following leg surgery, the Seahawks have another injury issue with their other, veteran Pro Bowl safety.

But only technically, on the official injury report.

Seattle listed Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs questionable to play Sunday when the Seahawks (1-1) host Marcus Mariota and the Falcons (0-2) at Lumen Field (1:25 p.m., channel 13). He has been limited in practices this week by a knee injury.

But coach Pete Carroll said after Friday’s practice in which Diggs participated fully that he key to the back end of the defense will play Sunday.

“He looks good to play,” Carroll said.

Diggs was joking around as usual with teammates and participating at the start of practice Friday the team permits the media to watch.

Josh Jones is starting again at safety Sunday next to Diggs. Jones is starting while Adams begins a long recovery from surgery to repair his torn quadriceps muscle he got in the first half of the Seahawks’ season-opening win over Denver Sept. 12.

Justin Coleman is doubtful to play Sunday with the calf injury that kept the veteran nickel defensive back out of Seattle’s loss last week at San Francisco. That means Bryant is ready to the primary fifth coverage cornerback inside on Atlanta’s slot receivers.

Bryant, the fourth-round draft choice this spring from Cincinnati, played 66% of Seattle’s defensive snaps last week when the 49ers ran the ball 45 times for 189 yards.

Starting defensive lineman Shelby Harris is out for the game against the Falcons. He’s been away all week tending to a family matter. He left the Seahawks’ game in Santa Clara last weekend after three plays because of a gluteus muscle injury.

Carroll said he didn’t know how long Harris would be away.

With Harris out, Bryan Mone and Quinton Jefferson become likely to play more next to Al Woods and Poona Ford on Seattle’s 3-4 defensive front.

And Myles Adams is likely to make his season debut for Seattle’s defensive line. After an impressive preseason, Adams has been a healthy inactive player for the first two games. He played his first two NFL games for the Seahawks late last season, the Tuesday COVID-postponed game at the Los Angeles Rams then the home game against Chicago five days later in December.

Adams could come in handy against Atlanta’s quick, athletic offensive line.

“I’m really anxious to see him, because he was really active (in the preseason),” Carroll said.

“He brings us a little bit different style of play. His quickness would be a really nice addition here, and I’m hoping it would be a factor and show up for us.”

Carroll said this week versatile Darryl Johnson has earned more playing time up front after aggressive play on special teams and a couple of disruptive plays into the 49ers’ backfield during his first snaps with the Seahawks’ defense last week. The 6-foot-6 Johnson can play outside linebacker and defensive end, and may need to this week.

Center Austin Blythe practiced Friday after missing Thursday and part of Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury. He was joking with teammates at the start of practice and isn’t listed at all on the injury report. He will start Sunday.

Starting inside linebacker Cody Barton is ready to start. He missed practice Wednesday and part of Thursday with shoulder and hip issues, but is not on the team’s injury report for Sunday’s game.