Seahawks Advance Despite Injuries Ahead of NFC Championship

The Seattle Seahawks are heading to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 11 years after a dominating 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. The victory showcased Seattle’s explosive potential and reinforced their Super Bowl aspirations. However, the team faces injury concerns at multiple positions that could impact their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Left tackle Charles Cross, who had returned after missing three games with a hamstring strain, exited the divisional round with a foot injury in the third quarter. While the issue is considered day-to-day, it adds uncertainty to Seattle’s offensive line heading into the title game. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted that Cross does not need to practice this week to be available, offering cautious optimism for his availability.

Backup tackle Josh Jones, who had filled in for Cross during the final three games of the regular season, was inactive against San Francisco due to a knee injury. If both Cross and Jones are unavailable, rookie Amari Kight, who saw action late in the divisional round, would likely be called upon to start on Sunday. The Seahawks’ offensive line depth will be tested against a Rams defense eager to pressure quarterback Sam Darnold.

Meanwhile, Seattle’s rushing attack could also face challenges. Kenneth Walker led the Seahawks on the ground with 175 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers, but the loss of third-year running back Zach Charbonnet to a season-ending ACL tear puts additional pressure on Walker. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain balance on offense.

1. Offensive Line Uncertainty

The health of Seattle’s offensive line is critical as the team prepares for the NFC Championship. Charles Cross, a former first-round pick, had been returning to form after missing games with a hamstring injury, only to leave the divisional round with a foot issue. His status for Sunday remains day-to-day, but the Seahawks will need to monitor his mobility and comfort in practice. Josh Jones, the veteran backup who played late in the regular season, could return if Cross is unavailable. Jones missed the divisional round due to a knee injury, leaving the Seahawks to rely on rookie Amari Kight at left tackle. Kight saw brief action against the 49ers, but starting in a championship game would be a significant test for the undrafted rookie. Seattle’s offensive line has been a strength when healthy, enabling both the run and pass games. However, any absence or limited effectiveness from Cross or Jones could disrupt the team’s protection schemes and force adjustments in blocking assignments. Head coach Mike Macdonald has expressed confidence in the group’s ability to adapt. “We have guys who can step in,” he said. “We’ve prepared for these situations, and we’ll be ready no matter who’s out there on Sunday.” The line’s performance will be a key factor against a Rams defense capable of creating pressure and forcing turnovers.

2. Running Back Concerns

Seattle’s ground game received a major setback with the loss of Zach Charbonnet, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the second quarter of the divisional round. The third-year running back will undergo surgery and misses the NFC Championship after totaling 874 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season. Kenneth Walker now becomes the centerpiece of Seattle’s rushing attack. Walker led the team with 1,027 rushing yards, and the Seahawks will rely heavily on him to maintain offensive balance and control the clock against the Rams. Walker’s performance will be vital to keeping pressure off Darnold and opening up the passing game. Velus Jones Jr., a fourth-year running back, steps in as the primary backup with George Holani still on injured reserve. While the depth chart is thin, the Seahawks will look to rotate Jones and Walker effectively to mitigate the loss of Charbonnet and maintain a dynamic rushing attack. The team’s ability to adjust will be tested, but Walker’s explosive playmaking ability offers hope. Success in the running game could be the difference in controlling the tempo and sustaining drives against a Rams team known for its defensive pressure.

3. Quarterback Status and Outlook

Seattle received a positive update on quarterback Sam Darnold, who had suffered a concerning oblique injury in practice last week. Darnold played through the divisional round without setbacks and is expected to be fully available for Sunday’s NFC Championship. His health provides stability to the offense amid the line and backfield uncertainties. Darnold’s ability to make quick decisions and protect the football will be essential against a Rams defense that excels at creating turnovers. His connection with receivers and timing in the passing game will help offset potential challenges from an altered offensive line or backfield rotation. Despite the injuries, the Seahawks enter the NFC Championship with momentum after their dominant performance against the 49ers. Adjustments on the line and in the backfield will be key, but the team’s talent and depth give them a chance to contend in a high-stakes matchup. Seattle’s ability to overcome injuries while maintaining their offensive efficiency will likely determine whether they can advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade.