The Seattle Seahawks could see significant contributions from the team’s top two drafted rookies Grey Zabel and Nick Emmanwori during the 2025 NFL season. But fifth-round wide receiver Tory Horton could also shine for the Seahawks this fall.
After being on the team’s injury report this week, Horton will play in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Horton fully practiced this week but was on the team’s injury report with an ankle issue. Horton will be making his NFL regular season debut.
The Seahawks didn’t include Horton on their inactives list Sunday for the 2025 season opener. Linebackers Uchenna Nwosu, Jared Ivey, and Connor O’Toole, wide receivers Dareke Young, and Jake Bobo, offensive lineman Mason Richman and tight end Nick Kallerup were the players on Seattle’s inactive list when the team released it an hour and a half before kickoff.
The Seahawks will host the 49ers at 4:05 pm ET.
Horton made the Seattle roster after a strong training camp and preseason. The fifth-rounder had three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut. Horton then had one catch for 12 yards in Week 2 of the exhibition campaign.
In five college seasons at Colorado State and Nevada, Horton posted 193 catches, 3,615 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. During his last full college season in 2023, Horton had 96 catches, 1,136 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Besides Horton playing, here’s what else you need to know for the Seahawks matchup against the 49ers in Week 1.
Tory Horton, Sam Darnold Set to Make Seahawks Debut
Sunday won’t just be Horton’s first time dressing for the Seahawks in the regular season. Free agent signee Sam Darnold will also play in Seattle for the first time as a member of the organization.
Darnold agreed to join the Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed. In the 49ers, he will be facing one of his former teams.
Darnold played for San Francisco during the 2023 campaign. He served as Brock Purdy’s backup during the team’s run to the Super Bowl. Darnold made one start for San Francisco that season.
He lost that start and holds a losing record as a starter in his NFL career. But last season with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold posted a 14-3 record. He registered a 66.2% completion percentage with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Darnold averaged 7.9 yards per pass, which was his career best in a season where he played at least seven games.
The 28-year-old began his career as the No. 3 overall pick for the New York Jets. He spent three years with the Jets and then two with the Carolina Panthers before one season in both San Francisco and Minnesota.
Seahawks-49ers Renew NFC West Rivalry
The Seahawks–49ers rivalry doesn’t receive the same national attention that it did about 10 years ago. But it remains one of the best rivalries on the West Coast.
Seattle snapped a six-game losing streak versus the 49ers during Week 11 last season. The Seahawks won that game 20-17.
The 49ers won the October matchup at Lumen Field 36-24 in 2024.
The Seahawks have lost three consecutive times at home versus the 49ers. Seattle last defeated San Francisco at home during December 2021.
According to ESPN Bet, the 49ers are favored to win in Week 1 by 1.5 points. Kickoff will occur at 1:05 pm PT.
Seahawks Rookie WR Set to Make NFL Debut vs. 49ers