Seahawks Win Came With An Offensive Problem They Can't Ignore

Despite a commanding win over the Chiefs, the Seahawks face a challenging lineup without key players, including left tackle Charles Cross, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

The Seahawks came out of Sunday’s 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs with a major result and a few fresh injury concerns, and the biggest one lands on the offensive line.

Left tackle Charles Cross suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter, according to Ian Rapoport, and is expected to miss time. There’s hope he could be back in 1-2 weeks, though it remains unclear whether Seattle will put him on injured reserve.

That timeline would likely keep Cross out of the next two games, against the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals. A return in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders is still possible, but with the Seahawks’ bye week following that, Week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers looks like the more realistic target unless his rehab moves quickly.

Cross left before Emanuel Wilson’s touchdown pushed Seattle ahead 20-3. After being checked by team trainers on the sideline, he was ruled out. Veteran Josh Jones stepped in at left tackle and is expected to hold that spot for now.

There was better news elsewhere. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed appears to have avoided anything major with his knee. Head coach Mike Macdonald said early tests came back positive, though he didn’t say whether Shaheed will miss time.

Shaheed caught two passes for one yard before leaving late in the second quarter. He was later ruled out after the injury happened on Sam Darnold’s interception during Seattle’s final drive of the first half. Shaheed and Jaxon Smith-Njigba collided in the back of the end zone while both went up for the pass.

If Shaheed does miss time, Tory Horton would likely see more work alongside Cooper Kupp and tight end AJ Barner, who finished second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards against Kansas City.

Seattle may also be close to getting another boost in the backfield. Macdonald said the team plans to open Jadarian Price’s 21-day practice window this week, which will help determine whether he can play against the Bears. The rookie running back has been on injured reserve since the start of October after re-aggravating the chest injury he first suffered in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

If Price is activated, he should share carries with Zach Charbonnet, who is also expected back sooner rather than later.

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