With Super Bowl LX now just 10 days away, both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are navigating some key injury concerns-some more serious than others-as they inch closer to the biggest game of the year. Thursday’s injury reports, while based on walkthroughs and estimations rather than full practices, still offer valuable insight into where both teams stand physically heading into the final stretch of preparation.
Seahawks: Linebacker Depth Being Tested
Seattle's defense, which has been a tone-setter all postseason, is suddenly facing uncertainty at the heart of its front seven. Both starting linebackers, Ernest Jones IV and Drake Thomas, were listed as limited participants.
Thomas exited the NFC Championship Game with a shoulder issue, leaving rookie Tyrice Knight to close things out. Meanwhile, Jones-who played through the end of that game-is now dealing with a chest injury.
This doesn’t scream red alert just yet, but it’s something to keep a close eye on. These two are central to what Seattle does defensively, especially against a Patriots team that likes to test the middle of the field. If either one is limited or out, it could shift the dynamic of the Seahawks' defensive game plan.
Offensive Line: A Left Tackle Logjam-But Not in a Good Way
If there’s one position group Seattle would love to get healthy fast, it’s left tackle. All three options-Charles Cross, Josh Jones, and Amari Kight-appeared on the report.
Cross, who’s been battling a nagging foot injury, didn’t practice. He’s expected to play unless there’s a setback, but he’s clearly not at full strength.
Jones is still hampered by ankle and knee issues, though he was active in the NFC title game and should be available in a similar capacity. Kight remains sidelined with a knee injury that kept him out last week.
The Seahawks have managed to patch things together so far, but this is not the week you want to be shuffling your blindside protection.
Tight End Depth Could Be Tested
Eric Saubert, a steady presence in Seattle’s two-tight end sets, has been downgraded to a DNP with a hamstring injury. He wasn’t on the field late in Sunday’s game, which opened the door for rookie Nick Kallerup to step in.
Kallerup held his own in a high-pressure situation, and if Saubert can’t go, the rookie looks poised to handle the role. Still, losing a veteran like Saubert in a game of this magnitude is never ideal.
Patriots: All Eyes on Drake Maye
New England’s report was relatively light, but one name stood out: quarterback Drake Maye. The rookie was listed as limited with a right shoulder issue-his throwing shoulder. That naturally raises eyebrows, but early indications suggest this is likely precautionary more than anything else.
It’s not uncommon for teams to manage the workload of their young quarterbacks, especially in the lead-up to a game of this magnitude. Still, any limitation involving a quarterback’s throwing arm is worth monitoring. Maye has been a steady hand in the Patriots’ postseason run, and even a slight dip in arm strength or accuracy could have ripple effects across the offense.
There’s still plenty of time for recovery, and most of these injuries-while notable-don’t yet appear to be game-altering. But as we’ve seen time and again, availability is often as important as ability in February.
Both teams will be hoping for clean bills of health by the time they touch down in Las Vegas. Until then, the injury reports will be must-watch updates.