by SEATTLE – If the Seahawks are to reverse their latest fall in time to make it to the playoffs, they’ll probably have to do it without Tyler Lockett.
Seattle’s leading receiver broke a bone in his index finger late in the team’s 21-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. Coach Pete Carroll said the team is still trying to determine the best course of action and that Lockett may have surgery at some point this season in hopes of returning.
Carroll said the injury was a spiral crack and “very similar” to the break Rashaad Penny had at training camp in 2018. Penny was injured on August 13, had surgery two days later and was back in September with the Seahawks. 9 openers.
Carroll said he believed Lockett could be back in two weeks.
“There are a few different ways they can do the surgery,” Carroll said. “One of the ways gives him a chance to come back. Remember Rashaad Penny has a similar, very similar injury. So they’ve already had this thought in their minds and they’re going to talk about all the options. We’re going to love her and we’ll take care of her. Whatever is the right thing to do to take care of her. We’ll do it.”
Carroll said Lockett would need surgery at some point, but didn’t confirm it would happen right away, saying the buyer was “not really fired” about this option.
The Seahawks also lost a nose fight to Bryan Mone, which Carroll called a “significant” ACL injury. He had no updates on defender Jordyn Brooks, who was pulled from the game in the second half due to neck pain.
Carroll said Lockett was injured on his last trip to Seattle. He finished with seven catches for 68 yards, breaking the franchise record for six consecutive games with a touchdown. He leads the Seahawks with 964 homecoming yards and eight homecoming goals, while his 78 catches are one behind DK Metcalf.
Lockett, 30, missed just two games in eight NFL seasons, one due to a broken leg in late 2016 and the other due to COVID-19 last year.
“I can’t imagine playing without Tyler,” Carroll said. “I had a chance to hang out with him to express what it was like to work with a man like this for so long. He’s an amazing actor. He’s not in too much pain. His hand is broken. You feel it.” I’m sorry for him but he’s such an amazing football player and member of the team and a member of our community, our region and our fans…we will miss him dearly for all he missed.”
Lockett in his first season as offensive captain.
“It sucks,” said security Quandre Diggs, one of Lockett’s closest friends at the Seahawks. “Especially a guy like this does his best. The things he’s done for the organization, the things he’s done for this team, he’s one of the vocal leaders, there’s a reason why he’s captain. He’s been doing that for a long time. He’s someone I respect a lot. Of course I’ll be there for him.”
Lockett’s absence will push veteran Marquise Goodwin from 3rd place to 2nd behind Metcalf. Carroll said his second-year receiver, Dee Eskridge, was close to returning from the broken hand that landed him in crippled reserve. Good to go back next week.
The 49ers’ win clinched the NFC West and gave the Seahawks their fourth loss in five games after a 6-3 start. They are currently one place behind the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) and New York Giants (7-5-1) in the wild card standings in the NFC playoff standings.
