Is DK Metcalf playing Sunday? Latest Week 3 injury updates for Seahawks vs. Panthers

DK Metcalf injured his ribs on a hit in the first half of the Seahawks' Week 2 victory over the Detroit Lions, but he should be available in Week 3.

The Carolina Panthers are extremely banged-up themselves, though. They will definitely be without cornerback Jaycee Horn (he's on IR with a hamstring injury) as well as linebacker Shaq Thompson who fractured his fibula in Week 2. They are probably going to also be without quarterback Bryce Young, too. But more importantly, without the defensive talent for Carolina, DK Metcalf could expose the Panthers' weaknesses.

DK Metcalf, however, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Holding him out of Week 3 was a real possibility for the Seahawks. Seattle should have the offensive weapons still to be successful even if Metcalf didn't play. Tyler Lockett is fantastic, of course, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba was better in Week 2 than Week 1. Plus, tight end Noah Fant looked capable of being Geno Smith's third option if Metcalf is out in Week 3.

Whether DK Metcalf plays or not against the Panthers might simply come down to how much pain he can tolerate. Injured ribs are no fun, of course, especially if someone in an opposing uniform is trying to tackle you with force in the same area you are already sore.

DK Metcalf's status for Seahawks vs. Panthers Week 3

Metcalf didn't suffer any broken ribs, at least, so it is just a matter of pain. He likely wouldn't be further injured by playing, but I wouldn't blame him if he didn't. However, he practiced Friday, and according to Pete Carroll, Metcalf should be good to go on Sunday.

Head coach Pete Carroll has been pretty mum about saying which of the injured Seahawks might miss Week 3. There are a vast number of Seattle who have missed practice this week so Carroll would have to spend about 30 minutes just answering questions on injuries alone. The implication is that Metcalf will play versus the Panthers, however.

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