The Seahawks’ latest injury update takes some shine off the buzz around their recent trade haul. Quenton Nelson, the Pro Bowl guard Seattle just brought in from the Colts, has been ruled out for Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals because of a knee issue.
Gregg Bell of 93.3 KJR radio reported the news Friday, relaying Mike Macdonald’s update that Nelson is dealing with a problem that will keep him out for now and leave him week to week. Bell wrote: "OUT: ...
Quenton Nelson 'minor procedure, not IR'... Nelson 'had something he was dealing with when he got here,' from Colts trade, Mike Macdonald,"
Macdonald said Nelson will miss the Cardinals game, and there’s a real chance he sits out Week 10 as well while he goes through a minor procedure on his knee. With Seattle’s bye coming in Week 11, the Seahawks may decide to keep him sidelined until after that break.
That would point to a possible return in Week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers, a matchup that could carry major weight in the NFC West race.
The key detail here is that this wasn’t presented as a fresh injury. The Seahawks reportedly knew about the issue when they acquired Nelson, which makes the situation more about managing what was already there than reacting to a new setback.
For now, Anthony Bradford is set to step back in. And with the Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders on deck over the next two weeks, Seattle has some breathing room to get through this stretch without Nelson and still feel good about its chances.
In Other News...
Cardinals Deadline Approach Is Raising Big Questions About This Roster
As the deadline nears, the Cardinals are still sorting through what kind of roster they want to be for the stretch run, and the conversation around them has only gotten louder. Arizona has already been linked to a quarterback move with Jacoby Brissett expected to be finalized soon, while head coach Mike LaFleur also said running back James Conner will not return this week, leaving the offense with more short-term uncertainty than the team would like.
The bigger question is what Arizona does with its veteran talent on the other side of the ball. The Cardinals have been seeking significant value for edge rusher Josh Sweat, and league chatter has also kept safety Budda Baker in the trade conversation as Tuesday approaches, a sign that this front office may still be weighing whether to add around the margins or take a harder look at the long-term picture. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Face A Josh Sweat Decision That Still Isnt Simple
Josh Sweat has become one of the more interesting names to watch as the NFL trade deadline approaches, but the buzz around the Cardinals pass-rusher has not changed the basic outlook much. Arizona has every reason to treat him as part of its longer-term plans, and the contract situation only makes a move more complicated for a team that values edge help.
Even with rumors circulating, the sense around the league is that the Cardinals are not eager to deal him unless the return is substantial enough to justify it. Sweats future still feels tied to Arizona, and unless the right kind of offer materializes, this looks like one of those deadline stories that may end with the player staying put and the team keeping its pass rush intact. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Head To Seattle Already Facing A Costly Lineup Problem
The Cardinals head into their Week 9 trip to Seattle already shorthanded, with running back Bam Knight, tackle Jayden Williams and guard Jon Gaines all ruled out because of injuries. Mike LaFleur said none of the three practiced during the week, leaving Arizona to sort through its depth before the official injury report comes out after practice and to keep an eye on a few other banged-up players as well.
It is the kind of availability issue that can shape a game plan before kickoff, especially on the road against a division opponent. Seattle will be starting Drew Lock at quarterback in place of the injured Sam Darnold, but Arizona still has to piece together its own lineup on both sides of the ball, and the final answers up front could matter just as much as anything the Seahawks do under center. [Read more 🡒]