Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald sent players home early after yesterday's practice instead of a team meeting, giving them their final break before the start of the regular season. They won't get another weekend off until their bye comes in Week 11. So, now is a good time to assess the team's injury situation, which isn't ideal.
Macdonald spoke with the team beat reporters after yesterday's practice and offered a few updates. Here's what he shared on a few key players, per John Boyle and Ari Horton at the team website.
LB Jerome Baker
One starter who may not be able to play Week 1 against the Denver Broncos is weakside linebacker Jerome Baker, who's missed much of the offseason due to injuries, most recently a hamstring issue. Macdonald told reporters that if Baker is good to go they'll be excited to have him, but if not rookie Tyrice Knight will take his place in the starting lineup.
CB Artie Burns
After D.J. James got cut, the team's depth in the slot took a hit. At the moment Devon Witherspoon is the only healthy one on the roster who's gotten significant snaps at that spot this offseason. Artie Burns suffered an undisclosed toe injury in the preseason finale on Saturday, so whether he'll be available or not is also up in the air. Macdonald only offered a "we'll see next week" in regards to his status.
WR Tyler Lockett
The biggest question mark in regards to injuries right now is wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who has been sitting out practice with a leg issue and did not play in the preseason. Macdonald said Lockett is "doing good" but when he was asked if he'd play Week 1 he could only say "I hope so" and expected another update next week. With Lockett out, Dareke Young has been taking his snaps with the starters.
Miscellaneous
Macdonald was also asked about defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (hamstring) and center Connor Williams (knee) but he didn't have any new information.
At latest, we will learn a lot more next Wednesday when the team has to share its first official injury report of the season.
