Seahawks Face Crucial Test vs. Rams in Week 16 - And Charles Cross's Status Could Be the X-Factor
The Seattle Seahawks are heading into Week 16 with a lot more than pride on the line. Thursday Night Football brings a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams, and this one carries real weight. Both teams are locked at 11-3 atop the NFC West, and with the conference’s top seed still up for grabs, every snap matters.
But while the stakes are clear, so is the challenge. Seattle hasn’t exactly had the Rams’ number in recent years when it counts.
Sure, they picked up a win against L.A. in Week 18 last season, but let’s be honest - that game had all the intensity of a preseason finale. The Rams had already clinched the division, rested stars like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, and Seattle was already eliminated from playoff contention.
This time, it’s different. This time, it’s meaningful. And this time, the Seahawks are hoping they won’t be down one of their most important players.
Charles Cross Injury Looms Large
Left tackle Charles Cross is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered on the final play of Seattle’s dramatic Week 15 win over the Colts. That game ended with a walk-off field goal - and Cross pulling up lame. The injury looked concerning in real time, and days later, his availability for Thursday is still very much in question.
Cross hasn’t practiced yet this week, though it’s worth noting that Seattle’s sessions have been walk-throughs, not full-speed practices. There’s a chance the team is being cautious, relying on Cross’s deep understanding of the offense to get him ready without putting extra strain on the hamstring. But even with that optimistic lens, hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and the timing couldn’t be worse.
If Cross can’t go, the Seahawks will turn to Josh Jones, a veteran who signed in the offseason but hasn’t started a game since 2023. Jones is serviceable in pass protection - not a turnstile, but not a wall either. The concern is in the run game, where his struggles could force Seattle into a more one-dimensional approach.
Rams' Pass Rush Brings Pressure Without the Blitz
That’s a dangerous proposition against a Rams defense that thrives on getting pressure with just four. Los Angeles ranks ninth in the league in sacks with 37, despite blitzing less than almost every other team - just 19% of the time, 29th in the NFL. That tells you all you need to know: they win at the line of scrimmage.
The Rams don’t need to bring extra heat to collapse the pocket. They trust their front four to beat offensive linemen straight up, and more often than not, they do.
That’s why having Cross on the field is so critical. He’s one of the few linemen in the league who can consistently hold his own in those one-on-one battles.
Without him, Seattle’s protection scheme gets a lot more complicated - and a lot more vulnerable.
Can Darnold Shoulder the Load?
If the run game stalls behind a patchwork O-line, the offense could fall squarely on Sam Darnold’s shoulders. And that’s where things get dicey.
Darnold has had his moments this season, but he also threw four interceptions the last time these two teams met. Asking him to carry the offense in a high-stakes divisional matchup, under the bright lights of primetime, and potentially without his starting left tackle?
That’s a tough ask.
Seattle’s coaching staff will need to get creative if Cross can’t go. Expect quicker throws, misdirection, and maybe a few wrinkles to keep the Rams’ front guessing. But make no mistake - the margin for error shrinks significantly without Cross anchoring the blind side.
The Bottom Line
This game isn’t just about keeping pace in the NFC West. It’s about proving the Seahawks can win when it matters, against a team that’s had their number in meaningful moments. And whether or not Charles Cross can suit up could be the difference between a statement win - and a missed opportunity.
We’ll know more when the final injury report drops Wednesday afternoon. Until then, the Seahawks - and their fans - will be holding their breath.