Seahawks May Miss Three Starters on O-Line Against Texans

The Seattle Seahawks looked near perfect on both sides of the ball in last week’s impressive 45-17 win over Jackonsville, but the aggressive thrashing didn’t come without consequence, as the Hawks suffered several injuries along the offensive line.

According to ESPN.com, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Pro Bowl center Max Unger (pictured above) and right tackle Breno Giacomini would be “game-time decisions” with a triceps and knee injury, respectively, for today’s week four bout against the Houston Texans, while Pro Bowl tackle Russell Okung is set to miss eight weeks with a torn ligament in a big toe.

“We are banged up and we’ve got some guys that are going to have a hard time making it this week,” Carroll said Friday morning on KIRO Radio in Seattle, referring to Unger and Giacomini. “We have some guys [who will] step up, and we really will always be about the guys that step in rather than the guys who can’t go.”

If Giacomini can’t go today, rookie tackle Michael Bowie – a seventh-round pick out of Northeastern State – is expected to fill in. Bowie’s first career start in the NFL would be a tough one, as he would line up across from the a defensive front that includes one of the most intimidating defenders in the league – J.J. Watt.

Meanwhile, if Unger can’t play, Seattle will likely turn to four-year man Lemuel Jeanpierre, who has five career starts for the Hawks under his belt, but only one at center. Guard Paul McQuistan would normally be an option to fill in at center, but he is already pulling duty subbing in for Okung at left tackle.

For one of the best rushing teams in the league, potentially missing three starters along the O-line is certainly bad news, but against a tough defensive team like the Texans, it’s even worse, especially on the road. Earlier in the week, I advised bettors to side with the Hawks at -3 points, but the recent injuries have moved the favorite line to -1.5 and have slightly diminished Seattle’s chances to stay unbeaten.

The Seahwaks have already struggled at times this season in protecting quarterback Russell Wilson and if the run game sputters, their offense will have major trouble producing points in Houston today. Be sure to keep tabs on injury news regarding this game and if the Seahawks end up missing Unger and Giacomini, go with Houston at +2, but if they play, stick with Seattle at a reduced -1.5.