The Seahawks are heading into a must-win Week 17 matchup without one of their most reliable anchors on the offensive line. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that left tackle Charles Cross will miss his second straight game due to a hamstring injury, keeping him sidelined for Sunday’s clash with the Carolina Panthers.
Cross went down during a pivotal moment - while blocking on Jason Myers’ game-winning field goal against the Colts back on December 14. Since then, he hasn’t practiced, and Seattle will once again have to lean on their depth up front.
That responsibility now falls to veteran lineman Josh Jones, who will make his second consecutive start at left tackle. And while this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Jones - he saw plenty of reps at the position during the preseason - this is the kind of moment that can define a season.
Macdonald praised Jones’ preparation, saying, “He’s got a great opportunity. He’s prepared.
Coach Mike Macdonald confirms Josh Jones will start again at left tackle for injured Charles Cross, and Ty Okada will be starting Sunday for #Seahawks at Carolina for injured Coby Bryant. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/3U82E3rbEO
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 26, 2025
Go out there and play your tail off, let’s go roll.”
Jones joined Seattle on a one-year deal back in March, and his presence is proving to be more than just depth insurance. He’s played in 11 games this season and stood out in last week’s win over the Rams, earning a 75.9 grade from Pro Football Focus - the highest among Seahawks offensive linemen in that game. For a team fighting to stay in the playoff picture, that kind of performance matters.
The 27-year-old brings a journeyman’s grit to the role, having logged 24 career starts with the Cardinals, Texans, and Ravens. His versatility across the line gives Seattle some flexibility, but make no mistake - stepping in for a player like Cross is no small task. Cross had played in 62 of 65 possible games before this injury, a model of consistency on a line that’s had its share of moving parts.
Seattle’s injury issues don’t stop there. Safety Coby Bryant has also been ruled out with a knee injury, which means Ty Okada will step into the starting lineup. Okada’s seen rotational snaps this season, but this will be a significant test as he fills a key role in the secondary.
Adding to the challenge, rookie edge rusher Derick Hall will miss the game due to a one-game suspension after stepping on Rams guard Kevin Dotson in last week’s NFC West showdown. That’s a blow to Seattle’s defensive rotation, especially with the pass rush needing to generate pressure to support a banged-up secondary.
At 8-7, the Seahawks are walking the playoff tightrope. Every snap matters, and every fill-in starter becomes part of the postseason equation. With Sam Darnold under center and the offensive line in flux, protecting the pocket will be critical against a Panthers defense that’s still playing hard despite a rough season.
If Jones can hold his own on the left side and the line keeps Darnold upright, Seattle has a real shot to stay in the NFC wild-card hunt. But with Cross out again and more shuffling across the roster, the margin for error is razor-thin.