Riq

Woolen

Woolen has missed two straight weeks with an ankle injury, though his limited practice to start the week bodes well for his Week 8 return. Fellow cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle) did not practice, keeping the secondary thin to begin the week.

The Seahawks’ defense continues to face an uphill battle in the health department. Woolen’s loss is significant for a defense tasked with slowing the Falcons’ passing attack.

Woolen and fellow CB Tre Brown were non-participants due to ankle injuries for Wednesday. The Seahawks defense has struggled and suffered from injuries throughout the season, so Woolen and Brown’s statuses will be monitored closely for fantasy managers rostering Falcons wideouts. Both still have a chance to practice by the end of the week, but will be truly questionable leading up to a Week 7 showdown in Atlanta.

Seattle’s most recent first-round pick has been out since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. A return to practice is a step in the right direction, though it wouldn’t be surprising for him to need multiple weeks of practice before retaking the field. Head coach Mike Macdonald said cornerback Riq Woolen’s status will “come down to the wire.” Both defenders are likely headed for questionable tag at the end of the week.

The Seahawks also ruled out star CB Tariq Woolen (ankle). The defense’s health was briefly on the upswing last week but this group can’t seem to fend off the injury bug. Both players’ absences will be felt on Thursday in a must-win divisional game.

The Seahawks released a practice report estimation after holding a walk-through practice Tuesday, ahead of a Thursday showdown against the 49ers. First-round pick Byron Murphy is still out with a hamstring injury while LB Derick Hall (foot), and CB Riq Woolen (ankle) were also estimated non-participants and S Julian Love (hamstring) was listed as limited. After a rough loss to the Giants, the Seahawks defense is far from full strength to start Week 6.

Woolen looks to be dealing with a hamstring injury entering Week 2. He got off to a good start in Week 1, snagging an interception in the Seahawks’ Week 1 victory. Fellow cornerback Tre Brown (quadricep) was also limited in Wednesday’s practice, though there is no concern yet for the Seahawks secondary. Barring additional news on either player’s injury being worse than initially seen, Woolen and Brown are in good shape to play Week 2 against the Pats.

Fellow corner Coby Bryant is listed as out because of a toe injury. Though Seattle’s secondary is decimated heading into Week 3, it’s hard to imagine their opponents taking advantage of the situation. The Panthers are starting Andy Dalton this week while Bryce Young deals with an ankle issue. Dalton ranks near the bottom of the starting quarterback for fantasy purposes.

In addition to Bryant, CB Tariq Woolen (chest) and S Julian Love (hamstring) also missed practice. Woolen was already reported to likely miss Week 3 and Bryant and Love’s injuries leave Seattle’s secondary thin. The team promoted CB Artie Burns from its practice squad to remedy the injuries for a Week 3 matchup against the Panthers.

Carroll said Woolen is “pretty sore” but isn’t expected to land on injured reserve. Woolen won’t practice today and is all but guaranteed to miss Week 3. That will leave rookie corner Devon Witherspoon as the top dog in Seattle’s secondary. Luckily for Carroll and the Seahawks, they could wind up facing Andy Dalton in Week 3 if Bryce Young is unable to recover from his ankle injury in time.