Already hurting, Seahawks have DK Metcalf, Riq Woolen leave Detroit game. Metcalf returns
As if they needed more injuries already this season, the Seahawks had DK Metcalf and Riq Woolen hurt early in their test at Detroit.
Metcalf bulled towards the goal line following an 18-yard catch of a pass from Geno Smith at the end of Seattle’s opening possession. Officials ruled Metcalf down just short of the touchdown Kenneth Walker got a few plays later. Metcalf got crunched from both sides by Lions defenders.
He returned to the game for Seattle’s second possession, which ended in a punt. The Seahawks then announced Metcalf as questionable to return to the game because of a rib injury.
He returned with 4 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter, with the Seahawks trailing 14-7.
Undrafted rookie Jake Bobo immediately got more time with wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba while Metcalf was out.
Then Woolen, the Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie last season, appeared to injure his upper body early in the second quarter. He stayed on one knee and rotated his neck as if trying to loosen it or his shoulder area while trainers attended to him on the field.
The Seahawks said Woolen was also questionable to return to the game with a chest injury.
Tre Brown replaced him at right cornerback. Brown started the opening game last week at left cornerback. Rookie Devon Witherspoon started at left cornerback Sunday, and broke up a fourth-down pass at the Seattle 32-yard line early in the second quarter.
Center Evan Brown left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. The team said he was questionable to return.
That forced the NFL debut of rookie Olu OIuwatimi, from nearby Michigan. He was on the field beginning with 4 1/2 left in the second quarter. He played for about 2 1/2 minutes of game time before Brown returned to finish that drive.
The Seahawks were already missing starting offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas to injuries in Sunday’s game.
This story was originally published September 17, 2023 at 10:54 AM.
