Seahawks to Face Cardinals with Key Players Absent Due to Injuries

The Seattle Seahawks will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with notable absences in their lineup, as key players remain sidelined due to ongoing injuries. Tight end Noah Fant and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. were declared inactive, both having been listed as questionable on the preceding injury report.

Noah Fant, who has been grappling with a groin injury since practice ahead of Week 9, is set to miss his third consecutive game. Similarly, Laviska Shenault Jr. sustains a back injury incurred during the previous matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, contributing to his inactivity.

In a positive turn for the Seahawks, safety Rayshawn Jenkins returns to the active roster after a four-game absence attributed to a hand injury. Jenkins was previously placed on injured reserve but has now been activated, offering a boost to Seattle’s defensive lineup.

Head coach Mike Macdonald has adjusted the team’s roster to account for the absences. Tyler Mabry, newly elevated from the practice squad, will join AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown to provide necessary depth at the tight end position. Additionally, linebacker Patrick O'Connell will play his second consecutive game after also being promoted from the practice unit.

Laviska Shenault’s injury also leaves a gap in the Seahawks’ kick return setup. The team will rely more heavily on Dee Williams, who, despite suffering an ankle injury during last week’s game, remains active. Running back Kenny McIntosh is expected to assist Williams in kick return duties.

A welcome update for Seattle is the absence of injury designations for right tackle Abraham Lucas and defensive end Leonard Williams. After rehabilitation from a knee surgery, Lucas is anticipated to fully participate in Sunday’s game, as confirmed by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Meanwhile, Leonard Williams is overcoming a foot injury but did not feature on Thursday’s injury report, suggesting a clean bill of health.

The Seahawks arrived at Lumen Field prepared for this pivotal NFC West game against the Cardinals, as seen by the arrival photos of the team, including prominent players like Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, alongside coach Mike Macdonald.

Both teams aim for a strategic advantage in the competitive NFC West standings, despite the challenges posed by injuries to significant contributors.