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Cornerback and special teams captain Neiko Thorpe has not played since the Seahawks’ victory over the 49ers. First, the special teams standout was listed with a groin injury, then on Thursday, Seattle listed him as out for Week 14 with a core injury.
Pete Carroll’s press conference shortly after that injury report was given informed us Thorpe would be out longer than just Week 14:
Carroll says CB/special teams captain Neiko Thorpe had surgery in Philadelphia for an athletic hernia. He’ll be out for the season.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) December 6, 2019
Thorpe’s season ending injury and subsequent placement on injured reserve will open up a spot on the roster, potentially for Ethan Pocic’s pending return—which could happen as early as next week. As for Thorpe, he signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks in March, meaning he may have played his last game for the team.
Of course, this is a coaching staff which values special teams highly, and Thorpe has been the leader in that phase practically since he arrived. It’s possible he returns to Seattle again in 2020 on a short deal, but with his season over, Thorpe’s future with the Seahawks is up in the air.