The preseason has always been a concern for NFL players, some of whom asked that the preseason is shortened to avoid injury. In 2015, former Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Jordy Nelson missed the entire regular season after tearing his ACL during the preseason. Last season, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered an ankle injury that didn’t keep him out of the regular season, (a separate early season injury did that) but was a swift reminder on why star players hate the preseason.
The Seahawks aren’t taking any chances and are expected to sideline Doug Baldwin for the preseason after suffering a knee injury during practice on Wednesday. The Seahawks staff is calling the injury a “sore knee” that will sideline number 89 for “a couple of weeks.”
According to reports, this injury has been a lingering one for the 29-year-old, but the team believes with proper rest Baldwin will be ready to go for week 1. Losing Baldwin would be detrimental for the Seahawks offense that has been heavily reliant on Russell Wilson’s ability to throw the ball, mostly to Baldwin who just missed 1,000 receiving yards last season after reaching that milestone the previous two seasons.
Baldwin will be evaluated later this month as we get closer to the NFL season. Whether or not the Pro Bowl receiver will miss any regular season games is unknown at the time.
The Pete Carroll led Seattle team has taken some hits on the other side of the ball this offseason. The Seahawks legendary “Legion of Boom” defense has been decimated since last year. Star cornerback Richard Sherman is now playing for division rivals the San Francisco 49ers. Earl Thomas has reportedly been mentioned in several trade opportunities, Strong Safety Kam Chancellor announced his retirement after dealing with injury and was recently placed on the physically unable to perform list and won’t play this season and Defensive Lineman Michael Bennett has moved on to the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
