Metcalf was one of three players to skip practice for Seattle due to an injury on Wednesday. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon (foot) and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) also did not practice on Wednesday.
Metcalf damaged his right knee in Seattle’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons a week ago. After attempting to make a grab near the sidelines, Metcalf’s leg was wrenched after landing on the ground, which caused a Grade 1 MCL Sprain. He was unable to practice last week and did not play in Sunday’s defeat to the Bills.
Though Metcalf’s absence was far from the sole cause, the Seattle offense struggled terribly against Buffalo. The Seahawks managed just 10 points and 233 yards gained against the Bills defense, both of which were season-lows.
Having Metcalf back for a vital NFC West meeting with the Los Angeles Rams would undoubtedly be a help.
“Right now we’re hoping he’ll be out there,” Macdaondl added.
Lineback Dre’Mont Jones was limited in practice on Thursday after hurting his shoulder in Sunday’s game. Jones was able to finish the game and said the injury was an A/C joint strain via his Twitter account. Macdonald is also optimistic Jones will be able to play against the Rams.
“We’re going to take care of him throughout the week to make sure he is ready to go on Sunday, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go,” Macdonald said.
The announcement of injuries to Witherspoon and Shenault came on the injury report, which occurred after Macdonald’s press conference. As such, there were no queries asked regarding either player’s status, yet both players finished the Buffalo game.
Tackles George Fant and Abe Lucas were each limited in practice on Wednesday as they work back from knee problems. Fant has a chance to return this week, while Lucas will become a possibility after the team’s bye week.
“George should start practicing this week in the manner of, ‘Hey, let’s possibly get him ready to go,” Macdonald said.
Macdonald stated Monday that rookie Mike Jerrell would continue in the right tackle spot if Fant is unable to play this week against Los Angeles. However, the rotation at right guard appears to be finished, at least for the time being.
Macdonald stated Anthony Bradford will receive the start and play through the complete game with Los Angeles this week. Bradford had divided the role with youngster Christian Haynes in recent weeks.
“This week A.B. will start. We’ll roll with AB,” Macdonald remarked.
Defensive end Leonard Williams was given the day off for relaxation, and guard Laken Tomlinson was limited for the same reason. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique), cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle), nose tackle Cameron Young (knee), and tight end Noah Fant (groin) were also restricted.
Macdonald also indicated that there will be battle for the third cornerback role moving forward between Josh Jobe, Tre Brown, and Pritchett. Jobe started in place of an ailing Brown two weeks ago, but continued in the job last weekend when back healthy and available.
Jobe intercepted Josh Allen last week and made a strong impression with his play.
“You show that type of consistency, that builds trust with the coaching staff, the rest of your teammates,” Macdonald said of Jobe. “I know our offensive players felt it when he’s been on the practice squad and the kind of play that he was putting on tape. When you get your opportunity to take advantage of it, then that’s going make us better as a football team. Then we’re going to want to keep finding methods to get you in the football game.”