Coming off back-to-back losses against the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks are in desperate need of a win but it won’t get any easier in Week 7 as they’re set to remain without their starting running back and possibly a star second year safety—against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Seahawks injury desingations
Out:
RB Zach Charbonnet (knee)
LB Drake Thomas (ankle)
LB Chazz Surratt (calf)
Questionable:
S Nick Emmanwori (hip)
LB Uchenna Nowsu (hip)
De Demarcus Lawrence (knee)
QB Drew Lock (right elbow)
LB Connor O’Toole (hamstring)
While the continued absence of linebackers Drake Thomas and Chazz Surratt certainly impacts Seattle’s defense, Charbonnet not being able to take the field is especially troubling. The fourth year ball carrier was activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Thursday and practiced in a full capacity all week, which seemingly boded well for his return.
Although he won’t suit up, head coach Mike Macdonald said he didn’t suffer a setback.
With Charbonnet sidelined, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani appear poised to continue to split carries and while both have shown flashes of potential—neither has made a consistent impact and both have struggled with ball security. As a result, Seattle’s backfield has lacked the burst that departed in free agency in the offseason as the team prepares to face off against Kenneth Walker III, who leads the league with 665 rushing yards and six touchdowns in spite of the Chiefs already enjoying their bye week.
Without their starting running back, Seattle ranks 18th in rushing yards per game and leads the league in fumbles, with six.
After missing practice for a second consecutive week, Thomas’ absence should come as no surprise and Tyrice Knight—who played well in the team’s Week 6 loss, is in line to fill in once again. With fellow linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Connor O’Toole’s status’ also in doubt, the Seahawks may be forced to turn to the practice squad once again where they’ll have Jimmy Ciarlo, Aidan Hubbard as well as the recently signed Josh Ross to choose from.
Following injuries to their secondary across the first four weeks, it appeared Seattle was finally in the clear but Nick Emmanwori’s status is certainly alarming and could also require the team to activate a safety from the practice squad tomorrow.
Macdonald said the second year safety experienced an issue with his hip during Friday’s practice, but wouldn’t describe it as an “injury,” and Saturday’s elevations will likely provide an indication on whether or not he’ll play.
Regarding defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, the veteran was awarded a rest day on Wednesday, but remained on the practice report with a knee issue that forced him to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday as well as today. Macdonald did not provide an update as to which side of questionable he was trending on.
The same goes for quarterback Drew Lock, who’s practiced in a limited capacity for the past two weeks as he navigates through an ongoing injury to his throwing elbow. While concerning, especially considering Sam Darnold’s recent turnovers, it’s worth noting he was active for last week’s game against the Broncos.
As for Kansas City, wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring), offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion) and running back Brashard Smith (hamstring) were ruled out, leaving Xavier Worthy as Kansas City’s clear cut number one wide receiver against one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (hamstring) and linebacker Cooper McDonald (knee) are listed as questionable.
Both teams will release their official inactives 3:50 pm P.T. on Sunday.
