What DK Metcalf’s injury might mean for the Seahawks in Week 8

In the first quarter of the Seattle Seahawks’ week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, star wide receiver DK Metcalf went down in the endzone and fell in an awkward position on his knee. He was carted off and his initial X-rays were negative. On October 24th, it was reported that he won’t need surgery on his knee and that he injured his patellar tendon.

Although he does not require surgery, head coach Pete Carroll and Metcalf are determined to bring the receiver back quickly. However, he could still miss time. In Week 8 of the 2022 NFL season, the Seahawks go up against a surprising team in the New York Giants.

The Giants hold a record of 6-1. They are second in the NFC East. Basically, the Seattle Seahawks will need more unsung heroes to cover for star receiver DK Metcalf if he’s out for a definite amount of time.

What can the Seahawks do in Week 8 with no DK Metcalf?

Kenneth Walker III will continue sky-walking

After taking over for an injured Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Walker III picked up the slack, going off for 88 yards, 97 yards and a whopping 168 yards, respectively, in his last three games, scoring in all of them. He has been leading the Seahawks down the field and has been a reliable runner during his rookie campaign so far. He has averaged 6.1 yards per carry and has 411 rushing yards on the year. He has four total rushing touchdowns, two of which came against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Carroll mentioned that Walker is still trying to find his groove and get comfortable on the field. It’s safe to say that Walker III is just getting started with making a name for himself in this league. According to teamrankings.com, the New York Giants are allowing 144.4 rushing yards per game, which is good for 28th in the league and just above Seattle’s defense. Walker can establish himself as a huge rushing threat to the entire league by having another huge game in week 8.

Marquise Goodwin slotting in at number 2

With Metcalf going down, Goodwin stepped up in a huge way. Acting as the WR2, he racked up 67 yards on four receptions to go along with two touchdowns. The highly athletic and speedy receiver made a statement an,d made sure the Seahawks fanbase knew who he was during his first year with the team. Goodwin knows that Metcalf going down with an injury means it’s time for him to step up with his new quarterback Geno Smith.

“I think the chemistry with [Geno Smith] is pretty good. Obviously getting more reps with him the past couple of weeks, having certain injuries and battling through a lot [has been tough]. We have more room to grow and room to get better.” said Goodwin in the postgame press conference in week 7.

According to teamrankings.com, the New York Giants hold opponents to 211 passing yards per game so far this season, good for 14th in the league. While not as easy of a task as Walker III, Goodwin has a chance to make a real impact against the G-Men alongside his quarterback Smith. According to PFF (subscription required), Smith has an 83.6 overall grade for the year so far, proving that he’s much more than just a backup quarterback.

The Tight End room will need to step up

Some of Smith’s favorite targets early on in the season were to his tight ends, specifically Will Dissly. While he did get to him against the Chargers, racking up 45 yards on four receptions, all the tight end’s target shares have been down the last three weeks.

To keep the Giants guessing, Dissly, Fant and Parkinson will need to step up and get to their spots. Dissly has three receiving touchdowns on the year so far and Fant has one. Fant came over in the Wilson trade perceived as a pass-catching speedy receiver. He is a strong blocker who can get out in space, and this game against the Giants could be a breakout opportunity for him. With DK Metcalf out, Fant has the chance to have a breakout game.

The Seattle Seahawks are already playing better than expected this 2022 season, and if they can hold off a red-hot 6-1 New York Giants team in week 8, we will be able to see the true potential of this Seahawks squad moving forward.