Seahawks must deal with injuries to key players in Week 2 vs Patriots

The Seattle Seahawks kicked off the 2024 season with two starters out with injuries. Both right tackle Abe Lucas and edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu missed the season opener versus the Broncos. Seattle certainly missed them in the lineup, but were able to overcome their absence. Things won't get any easier against New England.

It's already been established that Lucas will miss several weeks. At least that was an issue Seattle knew they would have to address before the season began. Unfortunately, Nwosu has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots. Derick Hall played well in his absence, with four pressures and a sack, but he isn't as versatile as Nwosu, at least not yet.

The Hawks face bigger problems this week versus the Patriots. Well, they could face bigger problems. George Fant, who was signed to replace Lucas, was injured in the first quarter against Denver. Stone Forsythe wasn't terrible, but there's a reason he's third on the depth chart at tackle. But Seattle is facing a far bigger injury issue than these.

The Seattle Seahawks may be without Kenneth Walker this Sunday

Thursday's injury report showed four players who didn't participate in practice, Nwosu and Fant were listed, along with tight end Pharaoh Brown. Brown completed a limited practice Wednesday but it doesn't look great for him moving forward, since he had to sit out Thursday's practice. The biggest name on that list, though, was Kenneth Walker.

Yes, on Sunday Walker did say his oblique injury was no big deal and that he'd play in Week 2. He's a terrific running back, but last I checked, he doesn't sign his name with an M.D. at the end. If you'll remember, K9 missed two games last year with - that's right, an oblique injury. So while Walker may have said, "I'm good", that doesn't mean he's going to play. The fact he wants to fight through this is great, of course.

Now, this doesn't mean Walker is definitely out for Sunday. Coach Mike Macdonald said the Seahawks star running back is day-to-day. I wouldn't be surprised if fantasy owners will hear that dreaded phrase, " a game-time decision" applied to our favorite back. If he can't go, it's not like Seattle doesn't have answers.

Zach Charbonett didn't do anything on the ground versus the Broncos, but eight carries isn't the biggest sample size, either. That's especially true since half of those attempts came late in the fourth quarter with Seattle playing conservatively to protect their lead. Number 26 did score with a 30-yard catch on about the easiest play of the day. He had a better average per carry last year than Walker, 4.3 yards to 4.1, so we know he can play.

Behind Charbonett, the Hawks have second-year back Kenny McIntosh read to step up. He looked exceptional in this preseason, as did practice squad player George Holani. Granted, much of their work was against second-string players, so we can't be too sure how that might translate against a tough New England defense. Hopefully, Walker can play, and this will all be a moot point.

As for George Fant and Pharaoh Brown, their absences could be almost as crucial as Walker's. The Seattle offensive line was, well, pretty offensive in the first half versus Denver. Ryan Grubb changed the scheme and compensated for that first-half performance, but the line play is still an issue. Without Fant, Forsythe was okay, but again, he's not the starter for a reason.

Without Brown, the designated blocking TE for the Hawks, Seattle could struggle in pass protection again. Rookie A.J. Barner was decent on run-blocking plays, but couldn't hold his own in pass protection. He's a rookie and was in his first meaningful action in the NFL, so we can expect some improvement. Without Brown, the Hawks will need it.

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