The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a playoff run they hope won’t be a one-and-done affair - and they’re getting some much-needed reinforcement in the trenches just in time.
Left tackle Charles Cross is trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday’s Wild Card showdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. After dealing with hamstring and knee issues that limited him earlier in the week, Cross was a full participant in Thursday’s practice - a strong indicator that he’ll be ready to suit up for one of the most important games of the season.
That’s big news for Seattle. Cross has quietly been one of the Seahawks’ most reliable offensive linemen throughout the 2025 campaign.
According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 73.2 overall grade this season - solid numbers that reflect his consistency and impact. His 76.9 pass-blocking grade ranks 19th among 89 qualifying tackles, showing he’s more than holding his own in protecting quarterback Sam Darnold.
And while his 66.7 run-blocking grade doesn’t jump off the page, it’s still a respectable mark that highlights his versatility up front.
Cross appeared in 14 games during the regular season, missing a few due to injury - including Seattle’s Week 18 win over these same 49ers. That game ended in a low-scoring 13-3 victory for the Seahawks, but Cross’s absence was notable. Earlier in the year, he was on the field for the Week 1 matchup against San Francisco, a 17-13 loss in which Darnold threw for 150 yards, took just one sack, and avoided turnovers.
For a team that’s going to need both time and balance to move the ball against a still-dangerous 49ers defense, having Cross back at left tackle is a major boost. His ability to neutralize edge rushers and anchor the line will be crucial as the Seahawks try to control the pace and keep Darnold upright.
Seattle’s offensive line has had its ups and downs this season, but Cross has been one of the more stable pieces - and getting him back to full health couldn’t come at a better time. As the Seahawks look to extend their postseason stay, having their top tackle ready to go is a win before the game even kicks off.