Seahawks’ Luke Willson has sprained knee, Pete Carroll says

Seahawks tight end Luke Willson suffered a first-degree knee sprain in Seattle’s loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, according to coach Pete Carroll.

“They don’t think it’s bad, but they’re going to have to check it out and do the MRI,” Carroll said.

Willson limped off the field after making an 11-yard catch on Seattle’s second possession. He didn’t return, watching the end of the game in street clothes on Seattle’s sideline.

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Carroll said the injury is to the same right knee that Wllson hurt earlier this year but that it’s unrelated. Willson had arthroscopic surgery and missed four games, returning last week.

Carroll said that was the only injury on Sunday for the Seahawks, who entered the game as banged up as they’ve been all season. Seattle was missing three defensive starters – free safety Earl Thomas, cornerback DeShawn Shead and defensive end Michael Bennett. Carroll said Seattle is counting on Bennett returning this week following arthroscopic knee surgery and that Thomas and Shead have a chance to do so after missing Sunday’s game with hamstring strains.

Seattle is also expected to have linebacker Mike Morgan back for next week’s game against Carolina. He’s been practicing the last two weeks after being designated for return from Injured Reserve and will be eligible to play again for the first time next week.

Seattle was also missing center Justin Britt on Sunday, forcing rookie Joey Hunt to make his fist career start. Britt didn’t practice at all last week because of an ankle injury. Carroll said he was available to play in an emergency situation.