Seattle Seahawks rule out James Carpenter

Seattle Seahawks left guard James Carpenter has been downgraded and is now ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Carpenter, a right tackle as a rookie, has played in five games this year after making his season debut against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4 (he injured his ACL last year).

Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

A first-round pick out of Alabama last year, Carpenter looked like a bust as he was routinely beat in pass protection on the outside. Sensing the need for a change, the Seahawks decided to move Carpenter back to the inside in the offseason and have seen his play immediately improve this year. No longer a liability in pass protection, he is actually a solid pass blocker now that he is at left guard.

With Carpenter out, the Seahawks will likely turn to fellow 2011 NFL draftee John Moffitt at LG. Normally the starting right guard, Moffitt is listed probable with knee issues. Injuries have derailed him this season, and the Wisconsin product has only been able to play in two games this year. Former defensive lineman J.R. Sweezy will start if Moffitt cannot. One of the best OLs in college football, Moffitt’s run blocking was unmatched. However, he is not an athletic player by any means and was knocked by scouts for insufficient ability in pass protection.

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