Seattle Seahawks Facing Hurdles Ahead of New England Patriots Clash

Seahawks’ Key Players Listed as Doubtful for Patriots Game

The Seattle Seahawks face a significant challenge as they list running back Kenneth Walker III and right tackle George Fant as doubtful for the upcoming road game against the New England Patriots. This situation poses a potential obstacle to the Seahawks’ quest to move to a 2-0 record under their new coach, Mike Macdonald.

Noteworthy Absences on Seahawks Roster

In addition to Walker and Fant, the Seahawks will miss the presence of outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee), one of their leading defensive assets, and reserve tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot). The team also lists starting inside linebackers Tyrel Dodson (shoulder) and Jerome Baker (hamstring) as questionable, although Baker engaged in limited practice throughout the week and Dodson upgraded to full participation on Friday.

Walker suffered a painful blow at the tail end of a carry during the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ inaugural season victory over the Denver Broncos. Initially reported as abdominal pain, Walker’s injury has since been identified as an oblique issue.

Fant, acting as right tackle while Abe Lucas is still on the physically unable to perform list, injured his knee just 13 plays into the game. His removal from the field was swift, and he was promptly ruled out.

Optimistic Outlook Despite Injuries

Post-match, Walker reassured reporters, “I’m good.” Coach Macdonald also expressed optimism that Walker was fine, even though neither he nor Fant participated in practice this week. “He’s getting better, but right now it’s doubtful, and we’ll go from there,” Macdonald said regarding Walker’s condition on Friday.

Walker sat out two games last year and a significant portion of a third due to a similar oblique injury. When questioned about the probability of playing on Sunday, Macdonald simply responded, “Doubtful”.

Backup Plans in Motion

With Walker’s participation in doubt, Zach Charbonnet seems set to start. The second-year running back made a notable 30-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith early in the fourth quarter against Denver but only managed to gain 12 yards on eight carries.

Charbonnet, a second-round pick from UCLA last year, has already substituted Walker in two games, achieving 157 yards and a touchdown on 38 touches. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke highly of Charbonnet, stating he possesses “a lot of the same skill sets” as Walker.

The Seahawks’ third running back is Kenny McIntosh, with rookie George Holani also available on their practice squad.

Seattle’s Offensive Line Adjustments

Stone Forsythe, who stepped in for Fant during the opener, ended the game with a pass block win rate of 54.5% – the lowest among 64 qualifying offensive tackles in Week 1. Despite this, Seattle’s offensive line improved in the second half, reducing pressure on Smith’s dropbacks to only 23% with zero sacks.

Macdonald remained positive about Forsythe’s performance, stating, “He did a solid job… he came in, we ended up winning the game, so winning football for us.” The Seahawks are hopeful for an improved performance in their upcoming clash against the Patriots.