Seattle Seahawks Michael Bennett has strained back

Frank Gore (21) dives for yardage against Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is, for my money, the most underrated two-way DE in the league. Bennett not only has the ability to get after the quarterback effectively, but he’s also an elite run defender at the 4-3 DE position. Through four weeks, Bennett has eight tackles and 2.5 sacks, and the Seahawks ability to sign Bennett in the offseason is looking more and more like a coup. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are left scratching their heads wondering what in the heck happened, and it just goes to show you that injuries like a torn rotator cuff shouldn’t be that much of a deterrent to sign a highly effective player like Bennett.

During yesterday’s overtime victory over the Houston Texans, Michael Bennett was stretched off the field with a back injury, and he was clearly in severe pain. However, the injury itself is not severe, as Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll stated that Bennett merely strained a muscle in his back, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

The injury certainly looked both scary and significant, so it’s great to hear that he merely strained a muscle. It did look painful and Bennett did have to get sent to a hospital, but the doctors found nothing major going on. One scary thing, though, is the fact that the strain occurred dangerously close to Bennett’s vertebrae, and I have a feeling he’ll miss next week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

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