Seahawks need to protect DK Metcalf from himself after getting update on star receiver's injury
The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed an excellent day on offense in Sunday's Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons, with star wide receiver DK Metcalf crucial to a blowout victory. Now the Seahawks could be without Metcalf as they attempt to build on that success in Week 8. Tests revealed that Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 […]
The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed an excellent day on offense in Sunday's Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons, with star wide receiver DK Metcalf crucial to a blowout victory.
Now the Seahawks could be without Metcalf as they attempt to build on that success in Week 8.
Tests revealed that Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in the 34-14 triumph in Atlanta, which saw him make four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks improved to 4-3 to retake the lead of the NFC West. Metcalf is considered week-to-week
Metcalf was hurt while attempting to come down with the ball down the left sideline, landing awkwardly as Falcons safety Justin Simmons broke up the pass.
While the news is far from ideal for Metcalf, Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald expressed optimism over his star receiver's prognosis.
MacDonald said that Metcalf's issue "doesn't look like a long-term injury" and added that the wideout will do everything possible to attempt to play this week against the Buffalo Bills.
Seattle's leading pass-catching weapon once again this season with 568 yards and three touchdowns, Metcalf missing the game with the Bills would be a massive blow to the Seahawks' hopes of keeping pace with Josh Allen and Co.
As such, Metcalf's determination to play is understandable. Still, the week-to-week designation suggests he will likely need to miss at least one game because of the injury, and a non-conference matchup might not be the worst to sit out.
Each of the Seahawks' subsequent three games after the Bills matchup are against division opponents and will carry much more significance in Seattle's fight to win the NFC West. Seattle faces the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9 before a Week 10 bye and games with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals in Weeks 11 and 12.
Metcalf may want to defy the odds and play this week, but the smart move would be to sit him so he avoids aggravating the injury and ensure his readiness for a potentially defining three-game stretch.
