The Seattle Seahawks learned before their Tuesday practice that the team would be without a player they have gotten used to being without. Uchenna Nwosu, who has only played one game since Week 7 of the 2023 season, injured his thigh in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve. He will miss at least four games.
Seattle's Week 6 opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, is an injured bunch as well. They certainly won't have running back Christian McCaffrey, and they know that 2022 First-Team All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga will be out as well. The safety team will miss at least a month due to a wrist injury. That might mean quarterback Geno Smith has an easier time against the 49ers, but that would be a foolish thought.
The truth is that Seattle is still trying to figure out who they are under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. The team began 3-0 but has since lost two straight. Losing to the Detroit Lions in Week 4, there was no shame. Losing to an undermanned New York Giants team in Week 5? There was shame.
The 49ers ultimately have a better roster than Seattle does currently. Even with a depleted roster due to injuries, San Francisco might be better because the Seahawks are also dealing with key injuries. This levels the playing field. Actually, to be fair, it tilts the playing field, which is still in San Francisco's favor.
The 49ers are not perfect. They are just 2-3 on the season and have lost to teams they should have beaten, such as the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. One of their biggest strengths goes against one of Seattle's current biggest weaknesses, however. The 49ers can run the ball well. Seattle struggles to stop that.
So who does not look like they will help the Seahawks against the 49ers on Thursday Night Football so far? Here is who is on the real initial injury report (Monday was a walkthrough for Seattle) for the Seahawks.
