Why Seahawks need Tyler Lockett to play through pain in Week 7
By Lee Vowell
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett is struggling with a hamstring issue currently. But Seattle likely cannot win in Week 7 without him. If Lockett or DK Metcalf ever have to miss much time, Seattle’s passing game could be doomed.
Week 6 was the first time that any other wide receiver for Seattle showed a semblance of being an NFL player. Marquise Goodwin and Dee Eskridge were fine for the first time in all of 2022 last week. But before that, Geno Smith was producing with Metcalf, Lockett, or one of the tight ends.
But Lockett is listed as questionable in Week 7 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He had his worst game of the season in Week 6 as he only caught 2 of his 5 targets for 17 yards. He was clearly hampered.
Overall, the Seahawks offense was not as good as in any week other than Week 2’s loss to the 49ers and the 49ers have a really good defense. Having Lockett not be 100 percent gums up the works for Seattle. And he appears to be hampered again in Week 7.
If Tyler Lockett is able to play, the Seahawks need him to
Tyler Lockett is tough, though. If he can play, he will. Just like in Week 6 against the Cardinals. And having him on the field at least will make the Chargers think there is a threat of Geno Smith completing passes to Lockett. That allows DK Metcalf to be a bit more open or attention is drawn away from the Seahawks tight ends.
Lockett leads Seattle in receptions this year with 34. Metcalf is second with 30. The rest of the wide receiver group has a combined 13 catches. This isn’t because Geno Smith doesn’t want to throw to them; The third options at receiver just seem to know how to get open.
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It might be telling that Geno Smith lauded Dee Eskridge last week in a press conference. This could an intent for Smith to help boost Eskridge’s confidence heading into Week 7. It might just be that Eskridge is going to be needed a great deal against the Chargers because Tyler Lockett isn’t going to play. If Lockett doesn’t play, though, the Seahawks offense will be greatly limited.