The Seahawks’ playoff chances took a hit this weekend with their loss to the Chiefs, but they could receive a significant boost on offense in the coming days. Wideout Tyler Lockett has undergone hand surgery and now has a chance to return before the end of the regular season.
Head coach Pete Carroll provided an encouraging update on the situation, adding that the veteran could be recovered in time to suit up for Week 17 (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times). That comes as little surprise given the fact that Lockett’s choice with respect to the procedure he underwent was made with the intention of coming back in time to close out the campaign.
His return would be a welcomed sight, of course, considering his importance to Seattle’s offense. The 30-year-old sits second on the team in receiving yards, and was well on his way to eclipsing the 1,000-yard plateau for the fourth consecutive season prior to suffering the injury. Lockett has been instrumental in the Seahawks enjoying a surprising level of efficiency in the passing game (they rank ninth in the league with an average of 259 yards per game) as they move into the post-Russell Wilson era.
The four-year extension he signed last offseason also makes Lockett a significant member of the team from a financial perspective. His cap hit is scheduled to jump to $16.75M next season, then 23.95M for each of the following two years. One of the team’s – and league’s – most consistent producers, the former third-rounder was a logical candidate for that deal in no small part due to his durability. Saturday marked only the second game in his career which he missed due to injury.
If he is able to play on New Year’s Day, the Seahawks would once again have their 1-2 tandem of Lockett and D.K. Metcalf available. That would be ideal given the drop-off in production between those two and fellow wideout Marquise Goodwin, who was held without a catch in the game against Kansas City. Seattle now sits at 7-8 having lost three straight, but they still have a realistic chance at a postseason berth with games against the Jets and Rams remaining, particularly if Lockett can play in those contests.
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