Injury Report: DK Metcalf doubtful, Riq Woolen cleared to return for Seahawks vs. Bills

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has been a remarkably durable player throughout his six seasons in the NFL, but it looks like he’s going to be unavailable for this Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Metcalf, who was carted off with what was later diagnosed as an MCL sprain, has been listed as doubtful after not practicing this week. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told media on Friday that he did not rule out Metcalf playing, but a doubtful designation historically means not playing.

If Metcalf misses this game as expected, then it’ll only be the second missed regular or postseason game of his entire career. Last season, Metcalf missed Seattle’s 20-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a hip injury. Geno Smith was 18/24 for 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, but only 6/9 for 70 yards and an interception in the 2nd half, with only 3 catches for 19 yards for Seattle’s receivers during that stretch.

With Metcalf out, there will be increased usage (in theory) for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, and Jake Bobo within the wide receiver group. Laviska Shenault Jr could also be an option but he has quite literally not caught a pass beyond the line of scrimmage this year.

To give you an idea of Metcalf’s value to the team—yes, even through our frustrations with his drops and fumbles and penalties this year and generally in years past—DK has an NFL-leading 11 receptions of 20+ yards (via Stathead). The rest of the Seahawks have 8. This is a one-man receiving group as far as consistently hitting big plays in the passing game.

As far as good news, Riq Woolen is back from his ankle injury and carries no injury designation. Tre Brown also looks like he’s in good shape to return after his own ankle injury, while Nehemiah Pritchett is a bit more of a question mark. Abe Lucas is out, but at least he’s practicing. George Fant is questionable with a knee injury, but Macdonald confirmed that Mike Jerrell will start at right tackle, so don’t expect Lucas or Fant to return from the injury list this week.

Nose tackle Cameron Young is doubtful and reserve defensive end Mike Morris is questionable, otherwise the Seahawks are in reasonably good shape in terms of available players this Sunday.

Here’s the full week’s worth of injury reporting: