The Seattle Seahawks got out of Tampa Bay with a loss, but relatively unscathed. Tight end Luke Willson is the only semi-serious one we know of, suffering a “first-degree knee sprain” that isn’t considered to be that bad. Willson may not miss any time. Who could come back vs the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night and help out after a disappointing 14-5 loss?
Michael Bennett — “Should” return
Pete Carroll said on 710 ESPN on Monday that Bennett should return after missing five games with a knee injury. That’s a pretty dominant player to add in at the start of December. Frank Clark has played exceptionally in the meantime, so it’s a nice trio they have there. Yesterday I was thinking about how nice it would have been if Quentin Jefferson didn’t get injured and miss the season, because he was like a mini-Michael during training camp.
DeShawn Shead — Sounds likely to return
Carroll said that Shead “could” return but it sounds like he’s a probable at this point. We will know a lot more about all of these guys on Wednesday’s practice report. It seemed like Neiko Thorpe did okay? You couldn’t have too high of expectations, but Shead was playing really well and getting him back will be a great coup for the defense.
Earl Thomas — Possibly will return
Carroll: FS Earl Thomas, CB DeShawn Shead could come back this week as well. Sounds like Shead is ahead of Thomas at this point.
— Stephen Cohen (@scohenPI) November 28, 2016
Steven Terrell did a fine job and the defense allowed 0 points after the second drive. But getting Thomas back well, it was the first time the defense played without him since 2009. He’s kind of a big deal.
Mike Morgan and Brock Coyle — Will return
Morgan is now back off of injured reserve and will return to play on special teams and SAM linebacker. How big of an impact he will have remains to be seen, but Carroll clearly loves him so what’s not to like about him coming back?
Justin Britt — Seems likely to return
Britt could have gone in an emergency situation on Sunday (that wasn’t an emergency?) so given another seven days, it seems likely that he’ll be ready to go on Sunday. That being said, maybe not, maybe he’s just gonna be another “emergency” option. Look, they have Kawann Short, this is a code red.
Damontre Moore and Troymaine Pope — No word
Both injuries (Foot for Moore, high ankle sprain for Pope) are mysteries. I wouldn’t necessarily expect them back or be surprised if they did come back. Pope hasn’t been a factor at all this season but would be a nice addition and possibly replace Alex Collins on game day, while Moore played very well during his time before getting hurt and could be in Seattle’s plans for 2017.