Luke Willson ‘looking forward’ to stepping in for injured Zach Miller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson wasn’t expecting to start any games this season, but he will be on the frontline for at least a few games this year as Zach Miller recovers from ankle surgery.
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Miller has been Seattle’s go-to tight end since arriving in Seattle in 2011.
Since then, he has 102 catches for more than 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns and has become one of Russell Wilson‘s top guys to look for in third down situations.
More importantly, he has proven to be one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and has helped the offensive line move defenders out of the way, allowing Marshawn Lynch to average 4.0 yards per carry since arriving in Seattle the same time Miller did.
But over the bye week, Miller had surgery on his ankle and the timetable for his return is still up in the air.
In the meantime, Willson, a second-year tight end, will be asked to take over the outside part of the offensive line until Miller returns.
On 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Danny, Dave and Moore” show on Tuesday, Willson said he is embracing the opportunity:
"“I know I’ve got to kinda come in and step up and I’ll be counted on a little more than I have been the last couple weeks, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said."
Because of Miller’s consistent production on the field, Willson hasn’t been able to show his talent much in the last few years — but he has a big chance to show the Seahawks his potential now.
At 6-foot-5, 252 pounds, the former Rice University standout is a big blocker and he has also shown great hands and awareness on the field.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Tuesday that he is excited and confident in Willson’s ability to help Seattle on the field:
"“Luke’s done a really good job. He’s going to obviously play a ton now. It’s really a great opportunity for him to step up,” Carroll said. “He’s improved in every area. He’s one of those young guys that has really just gotten a ton better since he’s been with us. He’s stronger and he’s faster than he was a year ago because of the offseason, so in every way he’s improved.”"
Willson’s first test will be against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football this week, where a national audience will get to see Seattle for the first time since the NFL’s opening night back on Sept. 4.
Look for Seattle to utilize the run early — if Willson can hold his own, it could open up a big game for Lynch. If not, Seattle might end up passing the ball a little more.
Willson said he feels that even though he doesn’t have much experience with the starting offense, he is happy with where he is right now.
"“For me, I just feel like learning this offense and learning how to attack certain run plays that we have was an experience thing and I really feel like I’m coming along pretty well.”"
We’ll see how he does Monday night but Seahawks nation is certainly rooting for him.