The Seahawks playoff hopes took a major blow on Thursday in losing to the 49ers 21-13. But perhaps even more significant is the loss that happened before the game ended.
During Seattle's final drive, wide receiver Tyler Lockett broke a bone in his index finger, coach Pete Carroll said after the game. He said the team is still evaluating which way to go with the injury.
Lockett and teammate D.K. Metcalf have comprised one of the league's best wide receiver duos in 2022. They are one of only two teammates to each have more than 900 receiving yards, along with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Miami.
On the year, Lockett has 78 catches and a team-best 964 yards with eight touchdown receptions.
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"We've got to figure out what's the right way to go. I can't even fathom that. I can't fathom playing without Tyler," Carroll said. "I got a chance to hang with him just to try to express what it's like to be working with a guy like this for so long. Such an incredible player. He's not in tremendous pain. He's got a broken hand. No need to feel sorry for that. For him."
Here's what you need to know about Lockett's injury.
Tyler Lockett injury update
With only three weeks remaining, there is a legitimate concern that Lockett's finger injury could keep him out for the remainder of the season, though the team is holding out hope.
Carroll said Lockett is hoping to get back in two weeks, and said there is a chance he could return before the end of the year.
"There's a couple different ways that they can do the surgery, and one of the ways gives him a chance to be back. Remember Rashaad Penny had an injury, very similar, very similar. So they've already floated that thought and their going to talk about all the options and all that and we're going to love him up and take care of him. Whatever the right thing to do to take care of him, we're going to do."
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Penny's injury Carroll is referring to happened back in 2018, when he was injured on Aug. 13 and returned in time to play in the season-opener on Sept. 9.
On Friday, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Lockett will undergo surgery, noting it's "possible he only misses one game."
#Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett is expected to have surgery to repair and stabilize his fractured finger, source said. It's possible he only misses one game and is back for the final two. But a firm timetable will be available post-surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2022
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Seattle's season is certainly reaching an important point in the campaign. With the loss, the Seahawks dropped to 7-7, which currently has them out of the NFC playoff picture. The Giants and Commanders, both 7-5-1, play each other on Sunday, but regardless of the outcome, both would remain ahead of the Seahawks for the last wild card. The Cowboys at 10-3, are a win away from clinching a spot in the playoffs.
The Seahawks end the season with games on the road at Kansas City, at home against the Jets and at home against the Rams.
Seahawks WR depth chart
Lockett's injury will put plenty of pressure on other receivers to step up. Metcalf will certainly take up the bulk of the targets the remainder of the season, but other receivers will now need to fill in for Lockett's production.
Before Thursday's game, Lockett had taken 244 snaps in the slot and 408 snaps out wide. Marquise Goodwin, who has 27 catches for 387 yards and four touchdowns, has the second-most snaps this season in the slot at 143 and has lined up wide for 108 snaps.
But after Goodwin, the experience takes a bit of a dive. D'Wayne Eskridge (seven catches for 58 yards) should see more snaps, as will Penny Hart (two catches for 18 yards). Eskridge has lined up in the slot for 62.4 percent of his snaps, while Hart has been on the field for nine offensive snaps (four slot, five wide).
