The Seattle Seahawks are soaring at 11-3, but a potentially game-changing injury to their star left tackle could throw a wrench into their playoff hopes—stay tuned to see how this unfolds!
But here's where it gets controversial: Could rushing him back end up costing them more than sitting him out? Let's dive into the latest updates on Charles Cross and the Seahawks' injury situation.
The Seahawks have shared details about the condition of left tackle Charles Cross, revealing he's grappling with a hamstring injury from late in their narrow 18-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
During his Monday press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald explained the situation. 'It’s a hamstring issue,' he stated. 'We’re gathering all the information we can right now and exploring every possibility to get him ready as quickly as possible.' (For context, a hamstring injury often means strain or tear in the muscles at the back of the thigh, which can sideline players for weeks depending on severity—think of it like a runner pulling a muscle during a sprint.)
The Seahawks face a real challenge if they want Cross back in action for their upcoming matchup, as they have just a short turnaround before a huge Thursday Night Football clash with the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams stand at 11-3, locked in a tie for the top spot in the NFC West and the entire NFC conference, making this game a must-win for playoff positioning.
Cross was visibly injured on the field after his legs got tangled awkwardly while blocking during kicker Jason Myers' game-winning field goal against the Colts. (You can see the moment here: https://x.com/MikeDugar/status/2000624962730934701.)
A standout first-round draft pick from Mississippi State in 2022, Cross has been a rock for the Seahawks, starting all 62 of the 65 regular-season games he's played in over the last four years. As he heads into free agency after this season, keeping him on the roster will be a top priority for the team—his reliability as a protector for quarterback Geno Smith makes him invaluable.
And this is the part most people miss: With the offense potentially weakened at the tackle position, how might this shift strategy for Macdonald? Some fans argue it could force creative play-calling, while others fear it exposes vulnerabilities. What do you think—could this be a blessing in disguise for developing backups, or a disaster waiting to happen?
Shifting gears to more Seahawks injury updates:
• On a brighter note, there's relief at the right tackle spot. Coach Macdonald reassured everyone that Abraham Lucas, who sat out the first half of Sunday's game due to a shoulder issue, is doing fine. 'Abe is all good to my knowledge,' Macdonald said. (Shoulder injuries like this can range from minor sprains to more serious rotator cuff problems, but it sounds like Lucas dodged a bullet here.)
• Rookie wide receiver Tory Horton has some obstacles ahead if he's aiming to return this season, according to Macdonald. 'We’ll see about Tory. He’s taking it day by day as he gets better. He’s got some hurdles to clear, and we’ll wait to see if he overcomes them. If he does, we can bring him back.'
Horton landed on injured reserve on November 22 due to a shin injury—a common ailment for football players that involves pain in the bone along the front of the lower leg, often from overuse or impact. He's already missed the minimum four games required to become eligible for return from IR. As a fifth-round pick from Colorado State, Horton has been a spark for Seattle, racking up 161 yards and five touchdowns on 13 receptions across eight games this year. He's also handled punt returns, adding versatility to the offense. (For beginners, injured reserve is like a temporary suspension from active duty to recover, but returning early requires medical clearance and meeting NFL rules—it's not as simple as just feeling better.)
The Seahawks host the Rams at Lumen Field this Thursday at 5:15 p.m., with Seattle Sports radio kicking off coverage at 2 p.m. for the pregame show. (Check out how to tune in: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1664528/seattle-seahawks-radio-how-to-listen/.)
For more on the Seattle Seahawks:
• Macdonald breaks down the strategy for that clutch win over the Colts (https://sports.mynorthwest.com/brock-and-salk/seattle-seahawks-macdonald-details-strategy-behind-game-winning-decision-vs-colts/1832463)
• Why the Seahawks' gritty victory against the Colts was anything but pretty—and why that's a good thing (https://sports.mynorthwest.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seattle-seahawks-ugly-win-colts-was-great/1832471)
• Assessing the 11-3 Seahawks' place in the NFC playoff race (https://sports.mynorthwest.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/where-11-3-seattle-seahawks-stand-nfc-playoff-picture/1832386)
• Stacy Rost on the troubling trends in the Seahawks' offense (https://sports.mynorthwest.com/bump-and-stacy/stacy-rost-where-seattle-seahawks-offense-is-trending-in-wrong-direction/1832379)
• Comparing this year's Seahawks to their legendary Super Bowl squads (https://sports.mynorthwest.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/how-2025-seattle-seahawks-compare-franchise-super-bowl-teams/1832223)
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What are your predictions for Cross' recovery timeline, and how do you think it will affect the Seahawks' chances against the Rams? Do you agree that prioritizing long-term health over short-term wins is the smart move, or is pushing through injuries just part of the game? Drop your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
