Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson had arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday after being injured in Sunday’s 26-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
The team announced Willson’s surgery was performed at Seattle Surgery Center by head team physician Dr. Ed Khalfayan.
Willson was injured in the fourth quarter of Seattle’s 26-24 win over the Falcons on Sunday. While blocking, Willson had running back Christine Michael fall into the side of his knee as Michael crossed the goal line for a touchdown.
Willson had an MRI on Monday. Head coach Pete Carroll didn’t say specifically what Willson’s injury was on Monday, but said surgery was going to be a possibility.
“He’s got some stuff,” Carroll said. “We’re going to figure out what to do with him. A little cartilage damage in there, and stretched ligaments. Got to figure out what that’s going to be like.”
Willson posted a message to his Twitter account on Tuesday morning saying he will be back soon.
“Thanks 12s for all the well wishes. The healing started today and if all goes well, I’ll be back helping the @Seahawks in no time!” he wrote.
The Seahawks could elect to place Willson on injured reserve with the intent to bring him back later this season. However, linebacker Mike Morgan - who had surgery for a sports hernia two weeks ago - is already on injured reserve and the most likely candidate presently to be designated to return.
Seattle has three other tight ends on their roster in Jimmy Graham, Brandon Williams and rookie Nick Vannett. They could very easily elect to carry Willson on their active roster until he’s able to return to the lineup. Just how long he’s expected to miss is still uncertain.