Less than three weeks remain until the Seattle Seahawks host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 of the 2024 season, which will give fans the opportunity to see the team molded by Mike Macdonald this offseason in a meaningful game for the first time.
Optimism is at fever pitch for many, with the offseason overhaul of the roster providing hopes for a season of surprises and upside. In the middle of all the optimism, one of the offseason storylines that has been front and center for the team is the health of third year right tackle Abe Lucas following surgery in January to address the troublesome knee issue that has led to missed time in each of his two pro seasons.
With that in mind, and with more than a month passed since Lucas landed on the physically unable to perform list, the Seahawks have just eight days before they will need to make a decision regarding whether to keep Lucas on the PUP list into the regular season or to activate him to the 53 man roster.
Perhaps with that question in mind today, head coach Mike Macdonald was asked about Lucas’ availability for Week 1, and the answer was not one most Seattle fans will find reassuring. In fact, Macdonald’s answer was a non-answer.
Asked if he expects Abraham Lucas back week one, Macdonald said he didn’t want to answer that question now. Sounds sorta ominous but could also just be hedging some since teams don’t have to report on injuries this time of year.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) August 19, 2024
No new injury updates from Macdonald. Didn’t have an answer to share when asked if Abraham Lucas will be back Week 1.
Also said he’s still finalizing the plan of who plays in final preseason game. Said he has an idea in mind but wants to talk it over with players first.
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) August 20, 2024
Coach Mike Macdonald was asked if he plans on Abe Lucas being able to start the #Seahawks’ opener Sept. 8 vs Denver.
“Right now, I probably don’t want to answer that question,” he said. @thenewstribune
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 20, 2024
Reality is that with roster cuts barely a week away it is hard to allocate a roster spot to a player who has yet to perform any on field work in the new offensive system because that player is still dealing with a medical issue that caused them to miss three quarters of the 2023 season.
In short, don’t be surprised if George Fant is the Week 1 starter at right tackle, with Stone Forsythe holding down the swing tackle role while Lucas remains on PUP, because at this point it appears as though that may be what the team is preparing for.
But it’s worth noting Stone Forsythe got some work today at RT with the second offense behind George Fant. Could be getting Forsythe ready to back up on either side as needed. Laken Tomlinson took all reps with the starters at LG today. Bradford/Haynes played RG…..
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) August 19, 2024
For now, though, it’s on to the Cleveland Browns in the preseason finale Saturday.
