Updated: NFL suspends Seahawks receiver Dee Eskridge following domestic violence arrest

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge has been suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

“We are aware of the situation involving Dee Eskridge and have followed league and law enforcement protocol,” the Seahawks wrote in a statement.

Eskridge is allowed to participate in practice and preseason games, but he won’t be allowed to play in Seattle’s first half-dozen regular season games. With an early bye week, he won’t be eligible to return until Week 8 (Oct. 29) against the Cleveland Browns. Eskridge did participate in Friday’s mock game at Lumen Field.

Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Eskridge has spent much of his brief Seahawks career unavailable due to injury, and he’s been ineffective while on the field. Through 20 games played he has just 17 catches (on 33 targets) for 122 yards and 1 touchdown. Eskridge entered this season arguably competing for a roster spot following the first-round selection of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

This is a breaking story and based off the Seahawks’ statement this may be a criminal matter, but once we get confirmation we will update this article with any new details as soon as possible.

Update: Field Gulls received a statement from Eskridge’s agency on his behalf, saying that the suspension stems from a domestic violence arrest back in February.

“In early February 2023, Dwayne was involved in an unfortunate incident with his child’s mother, which resulted in his arrest and the filing of misdemeanor charges. Dwayne quickly took responsibility for his role in this incident. Dwayne entered into an agreement whereby the misdemeanor charges will be dismissed in 12 months when he completes domestic violence moral recognition therapy. Dwayne has already enrolled in and has begun therapy. Dwayne has not been convicted of any crime. He entered into this agreement because it is in the best interest of his family. Dwayne deeply regrets any embarrassment this incident has caused his family, the Seahawks, and the NFL.”

Update 2: The charge is fourth-degree misdemeanor assault, according to King County Court Records. Eskridge was given a suspended sentence back in May.

In the post-mock game press conference, Pete Carroll acknowledged Eskridge’s suspension, but the team isn’t allowed to comment any further on the matter.

“His issue has been dealt with by the league. I can’t talk about it, at all,” Carroll said (via Tacoma News Tribune). “He’s had a very good camp....He’s been very determined. You could see it tonight. I’m sure you all could tell, he’s explosive making plays, as far as the football is concerned.

“But he’s going to miss the time.”