Even with a healthy roster the Seahawks offense has struggled this season, so the last thing the team needs is to finish the season without its leading receiver.
That may very well be the reality for the Seahawks, however, as Nate Burleson could be out for the last three games with a high ankle sprain.
Burleson, who leads the team with 812 receiving yards and is second to T.J. Houshmandzadeh with 63 catches, said on his weekly radio show on 950 KJR that he has a high ankle sprain and that his foot was in a protective boot.
During his Monday press conference Seahawks coach Jim Mora said he did not yet know the extent of Burleson’s ankle injury, but Burleson’s announcement Tuesday indicates the team could be without its top receiver and punt returner for the final three games of the year.
The recovery time for a high ankle sprain usually takes between four and six weeks, meaning Burleson could be done for the season. He didn’t rule out the possibility of a comeback, however, and some players have been able to return quickly from the injury. Earlier this season, cornerback Josh Wilson and tackle Sean Locklear both went down with high ankle sprains against San Francisco. Locklear missed six games, but Wilson was able to come back after missing just two games.
Burleson said the injury occurred on a third-quarter punt return when he took a helmet to the ankle. He came back for one play, catching a pass down the sideline, but hobbled off the field after the catch and did not return. Through 13 games Burleson has already assured himself the second best season of his career in terms of catches and yards. As a Minnesota Viking he had 68 catches for 1,006 yards, numbers he could surpass if he was able to play again this year.
“There’s a possibility of both (being out for the season or returning),” Burleson said. “I have a very high tolerance for pain. I was able to go in after I hurt it, so that’s a good sign right there. Right now it’s just basically trying to rehab it as much as I can and take it week by week. Obviously I want to get on the field, I want to make plays. I was on my way to 1,000 yards, and that’s important to me. It’s a milestone in my career. We’ll see what happens.”
Burleson missed the final 15 games of last season after suffering an ACL tear in the season opener.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog.
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