Clayton: Seahawks’ offense can take advantage of 49ers injuries in must-win game
Oct 1, 2021, 3:42 PM
Seahawks WR DK Metcalf in a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. (Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Talk about must wins. The Seahawks are in a must-win situation against the San Francisco 49ers.
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A loss could put them three games behind in the NFC West, the best division in the NFL. At 1-3, it might be hard to climb back. And to make matters worse, they have to come back in a short week and play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.
They did get a few breaks on the injury report. Tyler Lockett didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a hip injury. Pete Carroll says Lockett feels good so he should be able to play. They also removed DK Metcalf from the injury report. He’s been battling a sore foot.
Where that is important is Russell Wilson and the receivers could take advantage of the 49ers injuries at cornerback. Jason Varrett is on injured reserve because of a torn ACL. K’Waun Willliams is out with a knee injury. And they won’t have Josh Norman who had a bloody lung last Sunday. He’s listed as doubtful and doubtful players are more out than available.
They still won’t have Dee Eskridge because of his concussion. He’s doubtful. Right tackle Brandon Shell will miss his third consecutive game with his ankle injury. And it is a big blow not having tight end Gerald Everett because of his positive COVID-19 test.
The key is on defense. It needs to be fixed. You have to wonder if there will a change at cornerback. Tre Flowers could be on the bubble and they could look at Sidney Jones and Bless Austin. The other day, Jamal Adams said the Seahawks should be able to fix some of their problems. The corners say it’s scheme. The coaches say it’s player performance.
One thing that is a key in the game is the 49ers won’t be as powerful with their running game. They are without their top three running backs. Their fourth best running back is Elijah Mitchell. He’s questionable with a shoulder injury. That will make the 49ers a little more one dimensional. It also should keep the Seahawks from using their three defensive tackle alignment.
The 49ers are banged up. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has been despite a sore knee. The big one to follow is tight end George Kittle. He’s questionable with a calf injury. Most people think he should be able to play.
All in all, everything is on the line Sunday.
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Seahawks Injuries: Tyler Lockett questionable, Brandon Shell out vs 49ers
