Ideas for Seahawks at left guard with no Luke Joeckel

Seahawks left guard Luke Joeckel is out 4-5 weeks, at least, after having his knee scoped. Seattle did not sign anyone new in the fortnight between games. What options does Seattle have to make the offensive line workable?

Luke Joeckel, recent left guard of the Seahawks, has not had a terrible season. He has not been great, but he hasn’t been bad. Now Seattle has to find an answer to a player they signed to a one-year deal. This will not be easy. Maybe impossible.

And isn’t that saying a lot about what the Seahawks really have as far as offensive line talent? One might hope that Joeckel was a one-year plug-in and Seattle would already be grooming his replacement. If this is true, than Ethan Pocic, here’s your chance.

Among the players Seattle has to choose from to take Joeckel’s place Sunday is Pocic, former starter Mark Glowinski and offseason acquisition Matt Tobin. Of the three of these, Pocic would be the greatest hope. He is a rookie with a solid college background. If he can prove he can play, then he should just replace Joeckel immediately. Joeckel has a history of injury issues, so why not have Pocic – if successful – replace him?

Glowinski at least knows the Seattle blocking scheme and played left guard until this season. He wasn’t very good, mind you, but he is familiar. Best case scenario, Glowinski plays somewhat close to Joeckel and the line continues its mediocrity.

Tobin is a bit unknown. He practiced more at left guard than left tackle when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t start much, though. Seattle brought him in to be a left tackle. How good is he? Who knows, but probably not great.

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No matter who takes Joeckel’s place, the biggest upside (Pocic?) is that player does even better than Joeckel. The reality may mean that the Seahawks line is even worse than it has been. In which case, all thoughts and prayers go out to quarterback Russell Wilson.