Shortly after Sunday’s 24-14 win over the Redskins, Darin Gantt reported that the Seahawks feared defensive end Chris Clemons suffered an ACL injury.
Those fears have reportedly been realized. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that Clemons has torn the ACL and meniscus in his left knee. Per Rapoport, Clemons will meet with Dr. James Andrews next Monday to determine the next steps in his recovery. Coach Pete Carroll didn’t give an update about Clemons’ condition during his Monday radio show, but is scheduled to meet reporters again later in the day.
Clemons’ injury highlighted questions about the quality of the playing surface at FedEx Field on Sunday with Clemons’ agent blaming it for the injury and Carroll calling the field “horrible” during that radio show.
It’s not unexpected news given the reaction on Sunday, but it is damaging for the Seahawks defense. Clemons had 11.5 sacks for the Seahawks this season, the most of anyone on the team and the third straight year he posted at least 11 sacks, and played a lead role on the defensive line in all situations.
With Clemons out, rookie Bruce Irvin will be called on to play a bigger role. Irvin had eight sacks in the regular season and added one against the Redskins, but was in more of a situational role until this point.
