Seahawks concerned Cliff Avril’s neck injury could be long-term issue
Oct 4, 2017, 3:23 PM | Updated: 3:38 pm
Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril is being held out for Week 5 against the Rams. (AP)
(AP)
Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril’s neck injury could be a long-term issue, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Wednesday. Avril has been ruled out for this week’s game against the Rams.
Avril was accidentally kicked in the chin by Jacoby Brissett’s heel while tackling the Colts quarterback in the first quarter of the Seahawks’ 46-18 win Sunday. Avril attempted to get up a couple times before going back to the ground, where he was tended to by trainers. On Monday, Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle that Avril briefly had a loss of control in his hands at the time.
O’Neil: Carroll has contingency plans at left tackle, cornerback
While Carroll said that Avril is no longer feeling any numbness, Seattle is being careful with the Pro Bowl defensive end. In addition to being held out this week, Avril will continue to be evaluated by doctors.
Asked whether the injury could be a more long-term deal, Carroll said it was a possibility.
“Could be,” Carroll said. “Could be, yeah. Like I’m saying, we’re going very slowly making sure he takes the opportunity to talk to as many people as he needs to talk to so he knows what he’s got and what we need to do with it and we’re just going to take care of him. And make sure that he’s well. And if he wants to come back, and we want to bring him back. We’ll let you know when we know, but right now we don’t.”
Additional injury updates:
• LT Rees Odhiambo (sternum) saw his condition upgraded and was set to practice Wednesday. Carroll said the left tackle made a “very favorable turn” after a bruised sternum landed him in the hospital for an overnight stay.
• CB Jeremy Lane (groin) has “a long week” ahead of him, Carroll said. The coaching staff will wait until the end of the week to re-evaluate Lane, who is not expected to practice Wednesday or Thursday. Rookie Shaquill Griffin would start in his place if Justin Coleman takes the nickel spot.
• Cornerback Neiko Thorpe (ankle) will practice Wednesday: “We’re really excited to get him back,” Carroll said. “We’re going to see how he handles the work but he’s going to practice today and we’ll see how it goes.”
