DK's situation not so 'optimistic'

The Seahawks could be without DK Metcalf against the Rams

The first thing that Mike Macdonald said about DK Metcalf’s injury after it happened was that he felt “optimistic” it wouldn’t be serious, but 12 days later Metcalf hasn’t practiced — something Macdonald has stressed is important before DK can play again — and in danger of missing another game with a sprained MCL.

Macdonald used the word “optimistic” for a second time on Monday, telling John Boyle that this should be a good week for DK:

"Looking optimistic," Macdonald said. "He hasn't practiced yet, so let's let him practice and see how he feels before we start making judgements on the week, but we're optimistic for this week."

The most important phrasing in that quote: “Let’s let him practice and see how he feels…”

That’s like when I would ask my mom to take me to Blockbuster and she’d say, “Clean your room first and we’ll see…” I couldn’t guarantee that I would go to Blockbuster, but I could guarantee that I wouldn’t go if I didn’t at least make an effort to clean my room. DK’s running out of time to clean his room.

Metcalf hasn’t practiced in two weeks and there’s only one day of practice left. It’s unlikely that he would be more than a limited participant anyway, so is that up to Macdonald’s standard of how much he expects DK to practice before he can play?

I didn’t understand the injury. This helped.

Landing hard on his back late in the game against the Falcons, Metcalf’s right leg junted out to the right and this video by MEDspirationNFP that was posted minutes after it happened was actually spot-on. Before Macdonald even knew what happened.

That Twitter account (where all these pictures are from) watched the broadcast footage, recognized the medical test being administered as the Valgus stress test, noted that Metcalf actually flinched during the test, and matched it up with the video to an MCL sprain or tear of some sort…within minutes!

Metcalf did not tear his MCL, otherwise he would be on IR. Teams are not allowed to hide that sort of thing.

Metcalf is a veteran, I do not doubt that he could play in a football game without practicing. But Macdonald was the one focusing on practice and the importance of DK practicing before he played in a game again and there’s only one opportunity to practice left.

This week has mirrored last week so far, so I am leaning towards not expecting Metcalf to play against the Rams this Sunday. That’s the opinion of someone who is not an expert, but it would also be fair to say that his situation is no longer “optimistic”.

The other Thursday injury news:

• Devon Witherspoon returned to practice (FULL) so he will play

• Noah Fant was DNP with a groin injury, he could be in danger of missing the game

• George Fant has been limited both days, so a full practice on Friday could guarantee his start at right tackle

• Laviska Shenault’s status improved from DNP to limited

• Dre’Mont Jones and Nehemiah Pritchett have been limited both days, same for Abe Lucas; the team won’t play Lucas until after the bye week

Bonus: Pay QBs who win, don’t pay QBs to win

Seaside Joe 2041