ATV accident keeps Seattle Seahawks rookie DT Malik McDowell from reporting to camp

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks top draft pick Malik McDowell was injured in a recent ATV accident and remains in Michigan recovering as the team began training camp on Sunday.

McDowell, 21, sustained a concussion and facial injuries in the accident, according to a league source. The team was hesitant to provide many details about the incident. NFL Network reported he suffered a concussion and facial injuries.

"Unfortunately, Malik McDowell was involved in a vehicular accident in which he suffered an injury during the NFL break period," said Dave Pearson, Seahawks VP of Communications, in a statement. "As a precautionary measure, Malik has remained back in Michigan under the care of physicians there. Our medical people have been in constant communication with his physicians and have been monitoring the situation. At this point it is important for Malik to stay at home and rest. We consider this a long-term relationship and will do whatever is in the best interest of Malik. We look forward to Malik's return to Seattle and will update you with any changes."

McDowell, a defensive tackle from Michigan State, was selected with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the draft. McDowell posted on his Twitter account on July 17 "Just wanna thank the lord that I'm still here," which may or may not be a reference to his accident. However, the timing would make sense as head coach Pete Carroll said the accident occurred in the last couple of weeks.

"I appreciate all the concern regarding my health," McDowell wrote in a post on Twitter Sunday afternoon. "I just want to clear the air. I am doing well and expect to join my teammates in Seattle in the next few days. My injury is not life or career threatening as some have speculated. I am grateful for the support I have received from the Seahawks organization, my doctors and my family. You will see me back on the field in the near future."

The team placed McDowell on the reserve/did not report list, which allowed them to add defensive tackle Rodney Coe to the roster in McDowell's absence. McDowell does not currently count against the team's 90-man roster limit.

"We're just really hoping that he has a really good recovery and all that," Carroll said. "We're on it and there will be more, I think, in short time."

Carroll did confirm that McDowell was at home and not in the hospital currently. However, he didn't say whether McDowell would be able to play this season.

"We'll wait and see. Let's see what's going on," Carroll said.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

--CB Shaquill Griffin. No rookie on Seattle's roster may be better positioned to earn a starting job heading into camp than Griffin. With DeShawn Shead on PUP and likely to miss at least the first six weeks of the season, Griffin and Jeremy Lane are the most likely candidates to earn the starting job at right cornerback opposite Richard Sherman.