Seahawks could be without two O-linemen week 16 but otherwise OK

The Seahawks may be without two of their offensive line starters against the Rams.

The Seahawks are overall pretty healthy heading into week 16 and even those key players who are out do not appear to be long-term issues. Still, Seattle could be without left guard Mike Iupati (neck) and right tackle Brandon Shell (ankle) against a very good Los Angeles Rams defensive front on Sunday.

Ogbuechi filled in for Shell (Shell is questionable) in week 12 against the Eagles and was awful. But against the Washington Football Team in week 15, Ogbuechi was much better and this was against a very good Washington front. Los Angeles, of course, has a very good defensive line too, anchored by Aaron Donald. Ogbuechi will need to be at least as good against the Rams as he was Washington.

Jordan Simmons is likely to step in for Iupati who is doubtful. Simmons has been decent when filling in for Iupati the last couple of years and has started four games this year. Still, even Iupati could struggle against Donald so Simmons will be a player to watch this week for the Seahawks.

Other than Iupati and Shell, Seattle will definitely be without backup running back DeeJay Dallas who has an ankle injury. Seattle was so banged-up at running back in week 10 when the Seahawks and Rams played that Dallas actually was one of Seattle’s featured backs. Dallas was only able to get 31 total yards against Los Angeles, though.

Backup safety Damarious Randall is also likely out with a foot injury.

The Rams

Los Angeles is relatively healthy as well but will be without running back Cam Akers (ankle). Akers has become the Rams starting running back over the last part of the season and had 171 yards in week 14 against the Patriots. Against Seattle in week 10, Akers ran for 38 yards on 10 carries.