Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III and wide receiver DK Metcalf are both expected to be able to suit up for their team’s Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Walker and Metcalf have both been officially listed as questionable to play in the game, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier on Sunday morning that both players are expected to play.
Metcalf has been dealing with a back injury, but head coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism late in the week that Metcalf would be able to play, even though he did not practice on Thursday or Friday of this week. He missed one game earlier this season with a hip injury. Metcalf finished the Seahawks’ 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans last week, and caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in that contest.
Walker has been dealing with a shoulder injury and an illness, but is also expected to play. Walker is Seattle’s top running back and Metcalf is the club’s No. 1 receiver, so their combined presences will give a big boost to the Seahawks’ offense.
Walker, a second-year back out of Michigan State, has rushed 192 times for 774 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games this season. Metcalf, in his fifth season out of Ole Miss, has 60 catches for 998 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
The Seahawks had also listed inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks as questionable, but got bad news on his front on Saturday. Brooks has now been ruled out with an ankle injury. Former Steelers first-round pick Devin Bush will start in his place.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Nick Bellore remain questionable. Witherspoon has missed Seattle’s last two games with a hip injury. ESPN reported optimism on Saturday that Witherspoon will be able to play against the Steelers. Bellore, another inside linebacker, has been dealing with a knee injury.
Defensive end Mario Edwards, wide receiver Dee Eskridge, tackle Jason Peters and safety Jamal Adams have also been ruled out for the Seahawks.
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