Seahawks worried about Charles Cross, Abe Lucas hurting enough to consider 41-year-old sub
How worried are the Seahawks about both their offensive tackles being hurt?
They are considering adding a 41-year-old free agent tackle who first began his NFL career 19 years ago.
Coach Pete Carroll said Monday his team has been talking to two-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters in the wake of Seattle’s starting tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas leaving the team’s opening-game loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday with injuries.
Peters is on his way to a visit at Seahawks headquarters. That visit likely would be on Tuesday, a players’ off day from practice.
“He’s not here yet,” Carroll said.
The 24-year-old Lucas has what his coach has repeatedly called an “old knee,” sore but tests have shown it doesn’t have structural damage. Carroll said his starting right tackle was “walking all right” around team headquarters Monday. That indicates Lucas might need some time off from practices this week but conceivably could start this coming weekend when the Seahawks play at the Detroit Lions (1-0).
Cross seems more in doubt to play Sunday. He was carted out of Lumen Field with a toe injury during Seattle’s 30-13 loss to the Rams.
The ninth pick in the 2022 draft has been the Seahawks’ starting left tackle since game one of his rookie year last season. He has yet to miss a game.
“It’s going to take a little while until we know” whether Cross can play this week, Carroll said.
Cross and Lucas, a third-round pick last year from Washington State, have been bookend revelations that have helped solidify Seattle’s offensive line.
Having one or both of them out against the aggressive, young Lions would be sub-optimal.
“Both tackles left the game. So, you know, we’re a little concerned,” Carroll said.
Jake Curhan and Stone Forsythe were Seattle’s tackles to end the Rams game.
Peters is a former star and Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2009-2020. His second of two All-Pro selections was in 2013. His last Pro Bowl selection was in 2016.
He made one start for Dallas last season. He’s been an unsigned free agent since the end of last season but has let it be known he would like to be playing in a 20th NFL season this fall.
With neither Lucas or Cross seemingly injured severely enough for injury-list consideration at this point, Peters could be an option to first sign with Seattle’s practice squad, to not take a spot on the 53-man active roster. Then, once he gets into playing condition, the team could promote him to play in a game, if necessary.
This story was originally published September 11, 2023 at 3:55 PM.
