⚕️DK Metcalf is Doubtful, Riq Woolen is back!
Seahawks injury report: George Fant not ruled out yet
The Bills are the only team left on the Seahawks schedule that is currently in first place, so not having DK Metcalf this Sunday will be a blow to Seattle’s chances of beating a legit Super Bowl contender, but getting back Riq Woolen couldn’t have better timing. Metcalf’s knee injury at the end of Week 7’s win over the Falcons has left him “doubtful” to play against the Bills, but there’s a glimmer of hope for right tackle George Fant, as Seattle has him listed as “questionable” after missing the last six games with a knee injury.
As Fant is not on the 53-man roster, the Seahawks would need to activate Fant and move another player to an inactive list or waive him to make room.
The Seahawks released Ty Okada (added back to practice squad) so there’s a spot for Fant now.
Also questionable: Tre Brown, Nehemiah Pritchett, and Mike Morris. No injury designation: Riq Woolen.
If DK Metcalf is OUT
The Seahawks are not lacking weapons this season, but Metcalf presents a unique challenge as a 6’4 X receiver who is not like any other player on the roster. Seattle would most likely upgrade Jake Bobo’s role against the Bills, but Buffalo’s very-good defense should know an easier path to stop Bobo than coming up with a plan to stop a “Tuesday player” (one of the first guys defensive coordinators gameplan against that week) like Metcalf.
On the bright side: Is it time to find out what the Seahawks are made of without Metcalf?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a #1 or #2 option is overdue; in Metcalf’s lone missed start in 2023, JSN had 63 yards and 1 TD in a win over the Cardinals
Noah Fant streak continue? Fant has caught all 21 targets in the last five games
Lean on Kenneth Walker: The Seahawks third-year back is Seattle’s best all-around skill player (THUR. ARTICLE) and Bill Belichick highlighted “the return of the running back” (as I also did) in his podcast this week:
Corner’s Back
Riq Woolen has missed the last two games, but he’s cleared to return this Sunday. With Brown and Pritchett both listed as questionable, Woolen is coming back just in time to help Devon Witherspoon with Amari Cooper and Dalton Kincaid. It’s safe to say that Josh Jobe will be elevated from the practice squad for the second week in a row.
Woolen has not faced much stiff competition this season, but he has been dominant: According to Next Gen Stats, the NFL’s own stats resource, Woolen has allowed five catches for 41 yards over five games.
Woolen, Witherspoon, Julian Love, Coby Bryant, and Jobe is a better secondary than what Seattle could field in Week 7’s still-good performance against Kirk Cousins.
George Fant return?
If the Seahawks do activate Fant to start, it would mean Michael Jerrell goes back to the bench but with some added optimism about his future.
I overlooked that the Seahawks cut Ty Okada, so they have a spot for Fant already. Okada is on the PS now.
Well, if DK doesn't play it will give all of us an indication of whether Grubb could potentially live without him. If he doesn't play and the offense looks decent, that is going to more information about whether or not to extend DK.
But yeah, put the ball into the hands of your best players, and that is definitely K9 and JSN with a sprinkling of Fant and Lockett. Shenault has earned some reps too if DK is out and let's not forget MO' BOBO!!!
If I am the Buffalo DC I might be a bit concerned about what exactly I will see if DK is out, so that is not a bad thing, either.