Outside of middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, no one on the Seattle Seahawks defense has proven more valuable this season than safety Bradley McDougald.
And just in time for a visit from the leading passer in the NFL, the Seahawks aren’t sure if McDougald will be able to play Sunday against Kansas City.
McDougald’s knee injury is one of several that could change Seattle’s lineup for a Week 16 matchup where a victory and some help from others could clinch an NFC wild-card berth for the Seahawks.
McDougald has been dealing with a patellar tendon injury that flared up during the first half last week against San Francisco and forced him to become a spectator for the vast majority of the loss to the 49ers. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said McDougald is away from the team for a few days getting additional treatment on his knee and is expected back by the end of the week.
But when asked if he thought McDougald would be able to play against Patrick Mahomes and the NFL’s top passing offense, Carroll could only say, “possibly.” If McDougald can’t play against the Chiefs it would be second-year safety Delano Hill stepping in. Hill played 52 snaps last week against San Francisco.
Seattle is equally unsettled at right guard and potentially with its depth in the backfield.
The Seahawks placed guard Jordan Simmons on injured reserve Tuesday due to a knee injury suffered in the loss to San Francisco and it’s uncertain whether D.J. Fluker’s injured hamstring will be healthy enough for him to return this week.
The injuries have left Seattle possibly needing a major shuffle on an offensive line that has helped create the top rushing offense in the NFL.
Ethan Pocic struggled last week when he stepped in for Simmons. Seattle has used George Fant as an extra offensive lineman for significant snaps throughout the season and his ability to play tackle could allow some shuffling among the starters in the short-term until Fluker can return.
“Let’s wait and see on that one. We’ll wait and see how this goes,” Carroll said. “Jordan, he needs likely to get some work done on his knee to get him back so he’s out. There are some decisions that we’re making. Let’s see how the week goes.”
