Seahawks Inactives: Lockett and Walker in vs Jets, Lucas and Neal out

The Seahawks will indeed have two of their top offensive playmakers in their first game of 2023 as Tyler Lockett and Kenneth Walker III are active against the Jets despite being listed as questionable to play.

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Lockett, who ranks second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, missed last week’s loss to the Chiefs with a hand injury that required surgery. But the veteran receiver is back against a tough New York secondary that features Pro Bowl rookie Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and former Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed.

Walker was questionable due to an ankle injury, but the rookie – who leads Seattle in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2022 – will play against the Jets.

Lockett and Walker were two of six listed as questionable to play against the Jets. Of the other four, only veteran nose tackle Al Woods (Achilles) is active.

Rookie starting right tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) will miss his first game this season. Also out due to injury are starting strong safety Ryan Neal (knee) and third-down back and special teams ace Travis Homer.

Receiver Penny Hart, linebacker Vi Jones, cornerback Artie Burns and defensive lineman Isaiah Mack are healthy scratches for Seattle.

When Lucas was hurt last week in Kansas City, 2021 sixth-round pick Stone Forsythe played at right tackle. This week, either Forsythe or Jake Curhan will likely get the start with Lucas out.

With Neal out, 2019 first-round pick Johnathan Abram likely will start at strong safety alongside free safety Quandre Diggs. Abram played 68% of Seattle’s defensive snaps last week in Kansas City when Neal was out. Teez Tabor started that game, but played far less than Abram.

Over the weekend, the Seahawks placed veteran receiver Marquise Goodwin on injured reserve due to wrist and shoulder injuries. Goodwin has served as Seattle’s No. 3 wide receiver this year. With Goodwin out of action and Hart a healthy scratch, the Seahawks promoted Cade Johnson from the practice squad to join rookie seventh-round pick Dareke Young, former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell, Lockett and DK Metcalf as active receivers for the Seattle against the Jets.

The Jets’ inactives list for Sunday is headlined by 2021 No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, once the team’s starting quarterback. Wilson is a healthy scratch, with Mike White getting the start at QB against the Seahawks. For New York’s full inactives list, visit this link.

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