The Seattle Seahawks are still not at full strength, but they are looking much healthier than last week at this time. Injuries devastated Seattle in the loss to Detroit, especially the defensive line. This week the lineup is looking much stronger, though - especially going against the far-inferior New York Giants, at least compared with the heavyweight contenders that are the Lions.
Here are some of the major takeaways for both teams regarding their final injury reports that came out on Friday.
Byron Murphy, Cameron Young out for Seahawks
On Monday night the Seahawks were missing practically their entire starting defensive line. This time they're only down one critical piece. The team's first-round draft pick, former Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Second-year nose tackle Cameron Young is also out with the knee issue that had him on the PUP list to start the season. Young just began his 21-day practice window so it may be a couple more weeks before he joins the lineup. Together, this news means there's more pressure on younger interior backups for the Seahawks like Mike Morris and Myles Adams.
Malik Nabers out for Giants
The Giants are also missing their top draft pick this week. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been their best player so far this season, but he suffered a concussion last week against the Dallas Cowboys and has been ruled out for Sunday. Nabers came into the league ready to dominate with his athleticism, not unlike former Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. early in his career. Nabers entered Week 5 ranked second in the NFL in receiving yards behind Nico Collins. Needless to say, his absence this week is a massive blow for New York's passing game. Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson are the next-men-up.
Boye Mafe, Julian Love questionable
Aside from Murphy and Young nobody has been ruled out for Seattle this week, which is a good sign. However, it's not guaranteed that two of the Seahawks' key defenders will be out there. Starting edge rusher Boye Mafe (knee) and star free safety Julian Love (thigh) are listed as questionable. Love told reporters yesterday that he expects to play, though. If Mafe is inactive it will mean another heavy workload for Derick Hall, who shined against Detroit.
Devin Singletary doubtful for Giants
Another potentially big blow for the Giants' offense this week is the status of their starting running back, Devin Singletary. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a groin injury and was listed as limited on Friday. Singletary has been given a "doubtful" designation for Sunday's game in Seattle. If he's out, the ball will likely go to undrafted rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., backed up by Eric Gray.
Seattle's right tackle problem
While you won't find it on the injury report, Seattle's greatest injury issue right now is at right tackle, where they'll soon be down to their fourth starter already this season. Abe Lucas is on the PUP list, George Fant is on IR and Stone Forsythe just posted the team's worst grade on offense against the Lions, including a 22.3 in pass blocking. Jason Peters has been signed to the practice squad, so he will be replacing Forsythe as soon as he's ready. In the meantime, the Seahawks have little choice but to roll with Forsythe. Look for the Giants to take advantage with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
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