By SCOTT M. JOHNSON
Herald Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The statistics were daunting after the Seattle Seahawks’ 26-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but the most important number might have been three.
That was how many Seahawks were injured during the first half, making things even more difficult for Seattle. None of the players returned, although none of the injuries is believed to be serious.
Wide receiver Derrick Mayes was the first to go down, injuring his finger during warmups. He got stitches, but was diagnosed with a fracture and had to leave the game after one play. He begged to get back into the game, but coach Mike Holmgren vetoed the plan.
In the first quarter, guard Pete Kendall went down with a “stinger,” which is a nerve injury in the neck that temporarily causes a player to feel numbness, but is rarely serious. He was in street clothes by halftime, and Frank Beede took over at left guard.
Fullback Reggie Brown, a backup who typically sees a lot of playing time, also suffered a stinger in the first half. Brown had a similar injury in Week 1, and has been wearing a non-contact jersey at practice.
All three players will undergo further evaluation this week, and their status for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts is still to be determined.
Quarterback Brock Huard, making his first start, was the most obvious example. Also seeing their most action of the season were four rookies: defensive end John Hilliard (his seven plays were the first seven of his NFL career), right tackle Chris McIntosh (played the entire second half), cornerback Ike Charlton (played on Carolina’s final drive) and linebacker Marcus Bell (also played on the Panthers’ final drive).
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