Seahawks tight end AJ Barner says he’s fully healthy as Super Bowl rematch looms

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner told reporters this week that he feels confident in his physical condition heading into the 2026 campaign, a notable statement given the toll of the previous year. Barner played through multiple injuries during the 2025 season and underwent two procedures this offseason, but said at a post-practice press conference that he feels back to full strength in both body and mind.

The timing matters for a Seattle team preparing to open its title defense in familiar territory. The Seahawks will host the New England Patriots on Wednesday night in a Week 1 rematch of February’s Super Bowl LX, which Seattle won 29-13. Barner played a meaningful part in that championship performance, catching the Seahawks’ only offensive touchdown of the game — a striking contribution for a player who was viewed primarily as a blocker during his college career at Michigan.

Barner enters his third professional season coming off the most productive year of his career. He recorded 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, improving on each of those numbers from his rookie season. His role could expand further under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who spent the past several seasons coaching tight ends for the San Francisco 49ers — a background that suggests the position will remain a feature of Seattle’s passing game.

Kickoff against New England is set for 5:20 p.m. Pacific Time on NBC, the broadcast home of the league’s primetime package. NBC is part of Comcast, whose shares (CMCSA) traded at $26.49 in recent action, down 0.64% from the prior close of $26.66, with a market capitalization of roughly $94.4 billion.

For the Seahawks, the opener offers an early measuring stick: the same opponent they defeated to claim the championship, now with an offseason of adjustments on both sides. For Barner, a clean bill of health removes the biggest question mark hanging over his third season.

What to watch

• Barner’s usage and target share in the season opener under offensive coordinator Brian Fleury.
• How Seattle’s offense looks in its first game action since winning Super Bowl LX.
• Whether the tight end’s offseason surgeries affect his availability or workload early in the season.

Source: original release