Seahawks’ Playoff Push Clouded by Cross’ Hamstring

The Seattle Seahawks enter the final week of the regular season with a rare opportunity: clinch the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed by beating the San Francisco 49ers. It is a position few expected them to occupy when the season began, but one that now places them squarely in the conference spotlight.

Yet the stakes of the moment are being tempered by uncertainty on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Charles Cross, one of the anchors of Seattle’s protection scheme, was absent from Tuesday’s practice as he continues to deal with a lingering hamstring injury.

The Seahawks technically conducted a walkthrough, meaning participation was estimated, but Cross being listed as a non-participant is still a troubling sign. With only days remaining before kickoff, Seattle has little margin for optimism without tangible progress.

The team has already secured a playoff berth, which gives it some flexibility in managing injuries. Still, the question of whether Cross can return for the regular-season finale has become one of the defining storylines of Seattle’s preparation.

1. A Key Absence at the Worst Time

Cross originally suffered the hamstring injury in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, he has missed back-to-back games, sitting out Weeks 16 and 17 as the Seahawks navigated the closing stretch of the season. Tuesday’s absence suggested that his recovery may not be progressing as quickly as hoped. While Seattle has not ruled him out, the lack of on-field work makes a return in Week 18 increasingly unlikely. This development comes at a precarious moment, with the Seahawks facing one of the league’s most physical defensive fronts. The 49ers thrive on pressure and disruption, a reality that puts added importance on the left tackle position. Seattle coaches have emphasized caution throughout Cross’ rehabilitation, balancing the urgency of securing the top seed against the long-term health of a cornerstone player.

2. Cross’ Impact on the Line

Now in his fourth season, Cross has started 14 games for the Seahawks in 2025 and has quietly become one of the team’s most reliable performers. His growth has been steady, providing stability in front of the quarterback in a system that leans heavily on timing and spacing. According to Pro Football Focus, Cross owns a 73.2 overall grade this season, ranking 28th among 86 qualified tackles. Those numbers place him firmly in the league’s upper tier, especially considering the variability at the position across the NFL. His value is even more pronounced in pass protection. Cross’ 76.9 pass-blocking grade ranks 18th, underscoring how critical he has been in keeping Seattle’s offense on schedule. Without him, the Seahawks have had to reshuffle their line, a move that inevitably alters chemistry and protection calls—changes that can be costly against playoff-caliber defenses.

3. Balancing Seeding With Health

Seattle will continue to monitor Cross throughout the week, but the team understands the implications of rushing him back. If he is unable to practice before the weekend, the odds of him suiting up appear slim, regardless of the magnitude of the game. There is also a strategic layer to the decision. If the Seahawks manage to secure the No. 1 seed without Cross, they would earn a bye, giving their left tackle additional time to recover before the postseason begins. That scenario could represent the best of both worlds: home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and a healthier offensive line when the games truly matter. For now, Seattle’s medical staff and coaching group are proceeding cautiously, knowing that the difference between January success and disappointment often comes down to who is available when the bracket tightens.