RENTON -- Following the season-ending ACL injury to starting left tackle George Fant, head coach Pete Carroll indicated that Rees Odhiambo will get the first shot to take over the job.
However, that didn't stop Seattle from making a trade to add to the group on Monday.
The Seahawks acquired tackle Matt Tobin and a 2018 seventh-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2018 fifth-round pick.
"Just watch, we're actively involved with all the opportunities, as always, to make us better and make this position more competitive. You'll see what happens," Carroll said.
It didn't take long for one of those opportunities to be consummated. Tobin has started 21 of a total 42 games played for the Eagles over the last four seasons, all coming at left and right guard. However, Seattle's release calls Tobin a tackle and that's clearly the position with the greatest need following Fant's injury.
Odhiambo replaced Fant in the lineup at left tackle Friday night against Minnesota and Carroll indicated that he will get the first shot to take over the job.
"We drafted him highly with the thought he would be able to do this," Carroll said. "I have never backed off that thought physically he can do it all. Now he's just got to make sure he can settle in and execute and function really well with the guys. ... I think he's going to have a chance to be really good. We drafted him to be a starting player and we drafted him with the thought he could be a left tackle so here we go. We'll see what happens."
While Luke Joeckel has played some left tackle in camp and spent his early years in Jacksonville playing tackle, Carroll said they'd prefer to leave him at left guard for now. However, Joeckel would be an easy fall back plan should Odhiambo not be able to handle the job. Also, Carroll indicated that Ethan Pocic could be option there as well. Joeckel was given a day off from practice on Monday after playing significant snaps against the Vikings.
Carroll still remain optimistic about the outlook for the line this season.
"I'm really pleased with what we've done with our O-line from last year to this year," he said. "You can see the difference. We're happy about the progress we're making with a lot more to be made."
Tight end Marcus Lucas was waived/injured to clear a roster spot for Tobin's addition. Lucas sustained an ankle injury in Friday night's game against Minnesota. Additionally, Seattle signed tackle Tyrus Thompson and waived/injured tackle Justin Senior prior to practice on Monday.
Carroll said Fant would have surgery next Monday. He sustained a torn ACL and some damage to his MCL as well. However, there was no cartilage damage, which is important for the prospect of a full recovery.
"He'll be back," Carroll said. "He'll do a fantastic job of coming back and he'll make it back for next season and all of that."
PHOTO CREDIT: FORT COLLINS, CO - OCTOBER 10: Rees Odhiambo #71 of the Boise State Broncos defends the line of scrimmage against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Rams 41-10. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)