Is DK Metcalf playing in Week 9? Latest injury update for Seahawks star

The Seattle Seahawks badly missed DK Metcalf in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Metcalf is by far Seattle's best downfield threat and can stretch a defense like few other receivers in the NFL. Opponents have to scheme for him and that allows Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett to be a bit more free in underneath routes. With no Metcalf in Week 8, Seattle's offense was extremely limited.

Metcalf's greatest value, besides his ability to get open deep at times, is how he helps other players in Seattle's scheme. Against Buffalo, Seattle had a tougher time running the ball and fewer opportunities overall to create explosive plays because there was no real threat to Buffalo's defense down the field. If Metcalf cannot play in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, the same thing might occur.

Los Angeles has been a thorn in the Seahawks' side for a decade, even before Los Angeles hired Sean McVay to be their head coach. Since the beginning of the 2015 season, the Rams lead the head-to-head against Seattle 13-6. All of that came under Pete Carroll for Seattle, but the team under Mike Macdonald has the same defensive issues so a reverse of the losing trend to Los Angeles should not be expected simply because Macdonald is now the coach.

Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf still looking doubtful for Week 9 versus the Rams

The truth is that a Seahawks victory occurring if the team does not have Metcalf appears unlikely. In his last six games against the Rams, Metcalf has had three games with at least 94 yards receiving, and he has five touchdown catches. He hasn't been a player to back down from a challenge, and the Rams have been one of the more challenging teams for Seattle.

But will Metcalf play in Week 9? It is looking iffy and is probably going to be another game-time decision. The final injury report won't be announced until later on Friday, but so far this week, Metcalf has not practiced. If Seattle approaches the Rams game as they did the Bills game, Metcalf will be listed as doubtful. If he doesn't practice at all on Friday, chances are that he won't play against Los Angeles.

The only real positive is that Seattle has a bye week in Week 10, so Metcalf would have another week of rest before he plays in another game. Even if he finds his way to playing against the Rams, he will have the following week of rest. No matter what, the Seahawks must have DK Metcalf to have a chance at winning many of its games.

Update: DK Metcalf has been ruled out for Week 9.

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