The Seattle Seahawks are heading into Week 2 with significant concerns, as head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that two of their top players are likely to miss Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots due to injuries sustained during the season opener.
Despite a thrilling 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos to kick off the Macdonald era, the team’s win came at a cost. Running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) and right tackle George Fant (knee) are both doubtful for Sunday’s game, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson.
“He feels good,” Macdonald said regarding Walker’s condition. “He’s getting better, but right now it’s doubtful, and we’ll go from there.”
Both Walker and Fant have yet to practice this week, a strong indicator that they’re unlikely to suit up on Sunday. This marks a frustrating recurrence for Walker, who missed two games last season due to a similar oblique injury. If Walker is sidelined, rookie Zach Charbonnet is expected to take the lead in the backfield, with Kenny McIntosh likely seeing increased snaps as well.
Fant’s absence adds to an already thin offensive line, as he had been stepping in for Abe Lucas, who remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. With Fant out, the Seahawks will have to rely on veteran Stone Forsythe, who filled in during the Broncos game after Fant left with the knee injury.
Seahawks on Alert for Potential Trap Game vs. Patriots
Despite their Week 1 victory, the Seahawks need to stay focused as they prepare for a tricky matchup against the New England Patriots. While the Patriots are considered one of the weaker teams in the league this season, the Seahawks face several challenges that could turn the game into a tough battle.
Seattle will have to adjust to playing on the East Coast in an early kickoff, which has historically been a strength under former coach Pete Carroll. However, it’s still uncertain how the team will perform in these conditions under Macdonald. Compounding this, the Patriots’ defense poses a significant challenge, having already stifled the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
With Seattle’s offense showing some inconsistency against Denver, and with offensive line issues caused by Fant’s injury, the Seahawks could face struggles on the offensive side of the ball. Establishing a strong running game early, even without Walker, will be key to maintaining control. The Seahawks will need to rely on their defense to keep things tight and grind out what could be a low-scoring affair in New England.
As Seattle navigates these early-season hurdles, the team must stay patient, capitalize on opportunities in the passing game, and avoid getting caught in a trap game on the road.
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