The Seattle Seahawks injury report ahead of Week 17 seemed to get a little worse as the week went on. For instance, receiver DK Metcalf wasn't listed on the Wednesday report but then did not practice on Thursday with some kind of back injury. In fact, nine Seattle players missed practice on Thursday.
Four Seahawks have been officially ruled out for Week 17. Those include receiver/returner Dee Eskridge (ribs), offensive lineman Jason Peters (foot), edge rusher Frank Clark (resting - seriously!), and safety Jamal Adams. Adams has not played in a couple of weeks and Seattle's defense honestly seems a bit better without him. Still, as the Steelers like to run the ball a lot Adams might have actually been helpful to have available.
What remains to be seen is if Adams is at Lumen Field for the game. Two weeks ago, Adams was ruled out for the game and then he appears to have been asked, or he volunteered, to stay at home. That makes for some awkward conversations. Plus, it kind of makes Adams look like a bad teammate whether that is the case or not.
Seattle Seahawks release final injury report ahead of Week 17
The issue for the Seahawks heading into the game against Pittsburgh is that six players are listed as questionable. This includes Metcalf. RB1 Kenneth Walker is also a maybe with a shoulder injury plus an illness. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hip) has missed the last two games and might miss his third as well. Special team leader Nick Bellore is iffy with a knee injury.
The Steelers like to run the ball a bunch, however, so having players who can stop the run is a must. Defensive end Mario Edwards has been good throughout his career against the run but is questionable with a knee injury. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is solid against the run but he injured his ankle in Week 16 and had to leave the game. He is questionable against the Steelers.
#Seahawks injury report for their Week 17 game vs. Pittsburgh. We'll get more details from Pete Carroll following the conclusion of practice: pic.twitter.com/fcpQOsjnkR
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) December 29, 2023
That is a lot of key members of the defense to be out against a tough running team. Defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones will need to have a great game if Edwards cannot play. Devin Bush would likely fill in for Brooks. At least, Bush has the extra motivation to go up against his former team, Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are hurting too, however. They will be without safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts. Pittsburgh will have more backup LBs starting than Seattle even if Jordyn Brooks doesn't play. Pittsburgh listed QB1 Kenny Pickett as questionable, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has already announced Mason Rudolph will start at quarterback against Seattle.