Seahawks rule Shaquill Griffin out as secondary, running backs beat up

The Seahawks are facing major injuries on both sides of the ball heading into Week 8’s divisional matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, and the team will be without top cornerback Shaquill Griffin and may be without multiple other members of the secondary and up to three running backs among others.

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Griffin, the 2019 Pro Bowl cornerback, was ruled out on Friday with both a hamstring injury and concussion. Head coach Pete Carroll said Friday afternoon that he’s unsure if Griffin is out of concussion protocol yet, but he wouldn’t have played anyways because of the hamstring injury.

As noted, he’s not the only member of the Seahawks’ secondary to be listed on Friday’s final injury report.

Starting strong safety Jamal Adams, who has missed Seattle’s last three games, is questionable to play due to a groin injury and an illness.

“He got some work today, so that’s a good sign, it’s a real good sign,” Carroll said, adding that Adams will be a game-time decision.

While the Seahawks would love to have Adams, the 2019 First-Team All-Pro, back on the field, Carroll said there’s “definite concern” of whether he’s ready because he’s missed three games and only just began to practice again on Friday.

His backup, Ryan Neal, is also questionable with a hamstring injury. Sticking with the secondary, nickel cornerback Ugo Amadi is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Carroll said Neal “looks pretty good” and is likely to play while Amadi has “to make a pretty good comeback here” if he’s to play.

The Seahawks have also taken a serious beating at running back lately. Starter Chris Carson left Week 7’s loss in Arizona with a foot injury, which has him listed as questionable. Also questionable to play is third-string back Travis Homer, who Carroll said Friday morning to Dave Wyman should play. Carlos Hyde, meanwhile, is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Carroll said none of the three practiced this week and they will all three be game-time decisions.

Running back and the secondary aren’t the only position groups with some injury pileups, as the offensive line will likely be without starting left guard Mike Iupati for the third game in a row with a back injury as he is doubtful to play.

On the other line, defensive end Benson Mayowa, who is tied for the team lead in sacks with two, is questionable to play with an ankle injury. Carroll said Mayowa hurt his ankle in Week 7 ad hasn’t practiced this week.

Next man (men) up?

In the secondary, Tre Flowers will get the start in place of the injured Griffin opposite Quinton Dunbar. Flowers was a starter the last two years before the Seahawks traded for Dunbar.

For Amadi, Linden Stephens would likely see playing time at nickel, and the Seahawks could also opt to use more base defense with three linebackers. Carroll said Stephens has done a nice job and has been competitive for them this season throughout camp and practices.

If Adams and/or Neal are out, Damarious Randall becomes more of a player to watch. He is listed as the third-string strong safety, but he also has experience at cornerback and free safety from his time with the Cleveland Browns.

Another guy to watch? Defensive back D.J. Reed, who can play corner, nickel corner and safety. He was waived by the 49ers and claimed by the Seahawks and has been recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and is on the non-football injury list.

Carroll said Reed is “right in the middle of the plan” and had a great week of practice looking fast. If Reed plays, Carroll said to expect him to be aggressive.

At running back, rookie DeeJay Dallas is the only healthy one of the bunch. He could see the most playing time of his young career if any combination of Carson, Hyde and Homer are out of action.

Jordan Simmons likely gets the nod at left guard for Iupati, as he has done the last two games.

If Mayowa is out, that deals a big blow to an already depleted and struggling pass rush. Alton Robinson, Jonathan Bullard and Damontre Moore could all see more action than usual. Carroll said Rasheem Green should play next week after being on injured reserve with a neck stinger. Green led the Seahawks with four sacks last season.

Veteran defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison is on the practice squad, but Carroll hinted that Harrison could be activated against the 49ers, saying he had his best week yet and wouldn’t have any sort of snap count whenever he finally plays.

On the other sideline

The 49ers are also very banged up, with two key defensive linemen lost for the year and other players across the board missing extended periods of time.

This week, starting receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Jeff Wilson, who ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns last week, are both ruled out of Sunday’s contest.

Starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, starting linebacker Kwon Alexander and backup receiver Richie James are doubtful.

Starting free safety Jimmie Ward, backup defensive tackle Kentavius Street are questionable.

Per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury, the 49ers also could activate running back Tevon Coleman, K’Waun Williams and tight end Jordan Reed from injured reserve.

You can watch Carroll’s full press conference on the Seahawks’ official YouTube page here.

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