RENTON — Wednesday’s news was good about Michael Bennett. It wasn’t for Luke Willson.
Bennett, one of the stars of the Seattle Seahawks’ defense, emerged unscathed after missing the end of Sunday’s 26-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons because of a knee injury. Willson, however, wasn’t so lucky as his knee injury from Sunday required surgery that will keep him out for a few weeks.
Bennett was knocked out of Sunday’s game when the defensive end was cut blocked by Atlanta offensive lineman Jake Matthews in the third quarter, causing damage to Bennett’s right knee. Scans later revealed no significant damage, and Bennett was back at practice Wednesday, participating in full. He said he’ll play Sunday when the Seahawks travel to face the Arizona Cardinals.
But Willson, Seattle’s No. 2 tight end, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday. Willson suffered his injury in the fourth quarter Sunday when he was hit in the side of the leg by teammate Christine Michael as Michael was scoring a touchdown. Willson’s injury is not considered season ending, and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he expected Willson to be back in a matter of weeks.
“Luke had surgery yesterday and I think he’s going to make a miraculous return,” Carroll said. “He’s as upbeat as you can imagine, very minimal stuff they had to do to him and everyone was really pleased about that. We’re really expecting him to break records coming back.”
Fortunately for the Seahawks they should have Willson’s position covered. Rookie tight end Nick Vannett just returned after missing the first four games of the season because of an ankle sprain, making his NFL debut last Sunday. He gives Seattle another option as he joins Brandon Williams in absorbing Willson’s duties.
“Nick will play more,” Carroll said. “Last week was his first week back, he only played a few plays, but he will be involved extensively now. We’re happy to see that happen. You’ve heard us say nothing but positive things. He’s still a new guy out there playing, but we’re really excited about it.”
Seattle lost one other player Sunday. Backup defensive tackle Garrison Smith didn’t appear to suffer any injuries during the game, but the Seahawks placed Smith on injured reserve Tuesday after it was discovered he had cartilage damage in his knee that required surgery. The Seahawks re-signed defensive tackle Sealver Siliga, who was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury earlier this season and later released, to replace Smith.
As for those who didn’t play Sunday because of injuries, defensive end Frank Clark (hamstring), running back C.J. Prosise (wrist) and defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (thumb) all practiced in full Wednesday, and Carroll said he expects all three to play this Sunday.
There’s less certainty surrounding strong safety Kam Chancellor. Chancellor, who’s dealing with a mild groin strain suffered in practice last week, didn’t practice Wednesday, and Carroll said Chancellor remains day-to-day.
For more on the Seattle sports scene, check out Nick Patterson’s Seattle Sidelines blog at www.heraldnet.com/tag/seattle-sidelines, or follow him on Twitter at @NickHPatterson.
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