KJ Wright won’t play in divisional round, should be ready for NFC Championship
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) tackles Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks talented strong-side linebacker K.J. Wright broke his foot in Week 14, and he needed surgery that was expected to sideline him six weeks. That timetable hasn’t changed, and the Seahawks will have to play their first playoff game without one of the best run-stopping LBs in the game. Per the Everett Herald’s John Boyle, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll stated that Wright’s foot injury will keep him out of the divisional round game. But on the bright side, Carroll stated that there is a “good chance” that the Seahawks will have Wright back for the team’s NFC Championship game.
Wright recorded 99 tackles and five passes defended in a breakout 2012 game, and he and Bobby Wagner were revelations at the linebacker for the Seahawks. This season, Wright was playing at an even higher level with 80 tackles and four passes defended in 13 games, and there is little doubt that he helps set the tone in run defense. He’s one of the stars of the team and can play at either SLB or MLB, so he will continued to be missed.
That said, it would be a surprise for the Super Bowl favorites to be bounced out in the divisional round for the second straight year, and they can most definitely survive without Wright. I mean, they shut down Zac Stacy to the tune of 15 yards on 15 carries last week, so there’s no doubt that the Seahawks are fine. It would be great to have a guy like him back, but the ‘Hawks are so deep and talented that the fact that Wright will be back for the NFC Championship game is excellent news.