The Seattle Seahawks will have to devise a plan to keep Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt in check this Sunday and they may have to do it with backups at both tackle positions.
Left tackle Russell Okung is on the short-term injured reserve list with a sprained toe ligament and right tackle Breno Giacomini is now dealing with a knee injury. Giacomini was limited in practice last week and had to leave Seattle’s 45-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in the second quarter when the knee flared up.
Head coach Pete Carroll indicated that Giacomini’s status for this week was still uncertain on Wednesday.
“He’s sore today. He’s not going to (practice) today,” Carroll said. We’ll see how he is. He’s got some more information to get in and to see where he is but he got nicked a little bit in this ball game.”
Giacomini was replaced by rookie seventh-round pick Michael Bowie against the Jaguars. He would likely get the start in Giacomini’s place if he’s unable to play against the Texans.
In addition, the Seahawks signed veteran center Jason Spitz on Wednesday to give added depth to the roster as Max Unger is dealing with an injured arm. Unger was tended to by trainers along the sideline during Sunday’s game but ultimately didn’t miss a play until Seattle put their backups in the game. Neither Giacomini or Unger practiced for Seattle on Wednesday.
It’s not the ideal situation for facing the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Seattle will have to hope both Giacomini and Unger can make it back prior to Sunday.