Seahawks Suffer Critical Loss Before Steelers Game

The Seahawks have ruled out linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who suffered an ankle injury against the Tennessee Titans. Brooks gave it a go at practice on Friday in a limited capacity, and head coach Pete Carroll said that he would be a game-time decision. With Brooks now out, former Steelers linebacker Devin Bush is in line for the start.

That is a significant development, as Brooks gives them elite speed in the middle of the defense to match opposing offenses. Without him there, there could be opportunities over the middle of the field to make plays behind the linebackers, and not only that, but their run defense is likely to suffer without Brooks’ sideline-to-sideline speed.

Brooks is the latest player to be ruled out, but not the only one. Carroll ruled out Mario Edwards with a knee injury, even though he was listed as questionable, and it is expected that he will miss the game. The team will rely on Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and others to step up.

DK Metcalf did not practice again, but Carroll seemed optimistic that he would play. If he could not, expect Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to see significant work, but in addition to that, more Jake Bobo. Kenneth Walker III is running back with an illness and shoulder injury, but he did practice on Friday. Carroll said he would be a game-time decision.

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon seems on track to play. While Carroll did list him as a game-time decision, Witherspoon has practiced all three days this week, and seemed to be more comfortable getting loose leading up to the Steelers game.