Seahawks Thursday Injury Report: Ken Walker III, Devon Witherspoon Remain Sidelined
As the Seattle Seahawks draw closer to a Christmas Eve date with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, the status of several injured starters continues to trend in the wrong direction.
After going through a walkthrough on Wednesday, the Seahawks once again had a lengthy injury report on Thursday with running back Ken Walker III (shoulder) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hip) out for the second straight day. Safety Jamal Adams, who didn't play in Monday's win over the Eagles due to chronic knee pain, also remained on the sidelines.
Producing 100 all-purpose yards and a 23-yard touchdown run against Philadelphia, Walker played the entirety of Monday's contest without any reported injury. Due to the short nature of the preparation week playing a day later than usual, Seattle likely is being cautious with its lead back to ensure he's ready to roll by this weekend against a physical Tennessee defense on the road.
Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Still recovering from a hip pointer suffered in a Week 14 loss to the 49ers, coach Pete Carroll unfortunately used the dreaded "legit" label describing Witherspoon's injury on his weekly radio show on Seattle Sports 710 on Tuesday. With that said, he offered a bit more optimistic update on his progress on Wednesday, saying the rookie cornerback feels better and could be back in action soon.
"He’s moving around better just getting around the building, but we don’t know what’s going to happen during the week with him, so we’ll just have to take it one day at a time. Today is a walkthrough day for us, he won’t be out there participating. He’ll be with us, but he won’t be in the movement stuff again, so we’ll just so how close he is tomorrow.”
In the case of Adams, the veteran safety has been under fire since news broke that he didn't attend Monday's win after being declared inactive. But Carroll indicated on Tuesday morning his absence wasn't a big deal as he navigates after effects from a torn quad tendon that required surgery last season and the two have had communications on the frustrating situation.
For now, while Carroll acknowledged that shutting him down for the rest of the season has been considered, the Seahawks are evaluating Adams' status day-to-day with hopes he will be able to play again and finish the season.
"I admire everything about how he’s dealt with this and handled it," Carroll said of Adams. "I’ve tried to make you guys aware, it’s a difficult injury. It’s different than a knee surgery. It’s a different case for him, and so it’s just taken a really long time. It’s been really frustrating for him, but he’s battling. He’s doing everything he can to compete to get right.”
Rounding out Seattle's sidelined players on Thursday, receiver Dee Eskridge continues to struggle rebounding from a nagging ribs injury that has cost him the previous three games and outside linebacker Frank Clark didn't participate with an illness. Linebacker Bobby Wagner received a veteran rest day and safety Julian Love currently is away from the team awaiting the birth of his child.
As for the players limited in the Seahawks first full practice of the week, tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) and center Evan Brown (illness) both had diminished workloads heading towards Sunday. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams continues to receive extra rest due to an ankle injury, while cornerback Tre Brown also has had his practice reps cut back with heel/knee injuries.
In the good news department, as expected based on updates from Carroll on Wednesday, starting quarterback Geno Smith was a full participant after missing the previous two games with a groin injury. Barring setbacks, he's expected to return to action against the Titans with Drew Lock serving as his backup.
Seattle will wrap up the practice week on Friday and following the release of the final injury report, Carroll will meet with local media with final updates on injured players before the team hits the skies for Nashville.
