Seahawks Injuries: Olsen to return, Shell ‘has a chance’ to play

The Seahawks enter Week 16 with a chance to clinch the NFC West crown for the first time since 2016 and unlike last season when they were limping into the final weeks, Seattle is getting healthier and will be getting some players back for the matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

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Head coach Pete Carroll has been optimistic all week that veteran tight end Greg Olsen would return to action after missing four games with a torn plantar fascia in his foot. During his Saturday press conference, Carroll confirmed that Olsen and one member of the defensive line will be returning to the lineup.

“You’re going to see Greg come up and you’re going to see (defensive tackle Bryan) Mone come up this week,” he said.

The question Carroll was responding to was whether Olsen and/or cornerback Tre Flowers (hamstring) would be activated. Carroll confirmed that Flowers will be out again. That means D.J. Reed will remain at outside corner against the Rams.

Mone had an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve and he hasn’t played since Week 9.

On the other line, the Seahawks may get one starting offensive lineman back while missing another.

Starting right tackle Brandon Shell has missed three of the Seahawks’ last four games with an ankle injury, and is questionable to play this week. Carroll sounded optimistic about getting him back for this key game.

“He’s got a chance to help us, so we’re looking forward to him dressing and being with us,” he said.

Veteran left guard Mike Iupati is doubtful with a neck injury, which means that Jordan Simmons likely gets the start there this week. Iupati has missed four games this season already.

“Mike’s dealing with stingers he had in the game last week and we’ll wait and see on that one,” Carroll said. “It’s been bothering him in and out through the year, but it’s been (more of an issue) this week.”

If Simmons again plays for Iupati, Carroll thinks the Seahawks’ offensive line will again be in good shape.

“Jordan has done a really nice job. He’s a big, physical kid, he’s really comfortable playing now,” Carroll said. “He’s played a lot of football for us, so it’s not like we have a guy coming in who doesn’t have the experience. Jordan can play, he’s played against these guys in the past, so we’re looking forward to him playing well if that’s the way it goes.”

Someone who unexpectedly popped up on the injury report this week was starting defensive tackle Jarran Reed, who didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday with a chest injury. He’s not listed on the final injury report.

“Yeah he practiced,” Carroll said. “He’s fine. He had a bruised sternum.”

And not related to injury, but Carroll was asked if there was any update on receiver Josh Gordon, who was ruled ineligible to play despite the team believing he would be able to return to action this week after being suspended since Week 15 of last season. Unfortunately, not news there.

“Nothing’s changed,” Carroll said.

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