The Seattle Seahawks are facing an interesting quandary. The question is what to do with Tyler Lockett now and in the future. He has been arguably the Seahawks' second-best receiver in franchise history, but he is certainly Seattle's third-most important receiver currently. DK Metcalf is the alpha, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a close second. Lockett is third on the team in targets by a large margin.
The above is brought up because Lockett had missed the first two days of practice ahead of Week 13 against the New York Jets with a knee injury. He might be available for the Week 13 matchup, but might Seattle also just see to see how Metcalf and JSN work without Lockett? Sure. That sounds ridiculous, but is it?
Seattle could save $26 million by releasing Lockett his offseason. This is not to say that Seattle should do that, but that they might do that. JSN has certainly taken a step up this offseason while Metcalf is Metcalf. If anything, Smith-Njigba seems to be by-passing Metcalf in priority of targets. Either way, Lockett is slipping far down that priority list.
Seattle Seahawks are as healthy as possible entering Week 13 versus the New York Jets
To be fair, Metcalf also missed the first two days of practice with a shoulder issue. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams did too. Seattle could have been facing a Jets game where they missed two of their most important receivers and its best defensive lineman. Thankfully, that did not happen.
Here is the good news. None of Seattle's top receivers are listed with an injury designation entering Week 13. This matches nearly the rest of the team because zero Seahawks have been ruled out, and none are doubtful. Only two are listed as questionable. Seattle, and few other teams, have been this healthy this late in the season in some time.
Even tight end Noah Fant should be back. He has missed the last three games and will give quarterback Geno Smith another target. If Seattle does lose to New York on Sunday, it won't be due to injuries entering the game.
Seahawks final injury report designations for Week 13:
- Tight end Brady Russell (foot) - Questionable
- Safety AJ Finley (ankle) - Questionable