RENTON -- It appears unlikely that either safety Jamal Adams or cornerback Shaquill Griffin will be available to play in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Adams missed practice again on Thursday as he works to return from a groin injury suffered a month ago against the Dallas Cowboys. Adams has been unable to practice ever since and it seems unreasonable to expect him to be able to return after one day of practice on Friday were he able to get back on the field. He’s also listed on the injury report as dealing with an illness that could be affecting his availability too.
For Griffin, he’s in the league’s concussion protocol after being injured last Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Having missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, there’s no longer enough time in the week for Griffin to clear the necessary hurdles to return in time for this week. Griffin also had a hamstring injury coming out of the game that will get extra time to recover.
The expected absences of Adams and Griffin will leave Seattle short-handed in the secondary for their matchup with the 49ers. Ryan Neal will presumably get another start at strong safety in place of Adams with Tre Flowers at cornerback for Griffin. Neal was limited in practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, however.
Seattle may need to bring up additional cornerback help to cover Griffin’s absence. Jayson Stanley and Gavin Heslop are available to be elevated from the practice squad. D.J. Reed could also be ready to be activated off the non-football injury list after returning to practice last week.
Chris Carson (foot), Carlos Hyde (hamstring) and Travis Homer (knee) all missed practice for a second straight day as DeeJay Dallas remains the only healthy running back on the roster.
Seattle has no reinforcements to turn to at the position as they won't be able to get active in time for Sunday's game due to COVID-19 intake protocols. All three have varying levels of chance to be available for Sunday's game but Seattle may have to get creative to find running back options should the injuries linger or resurface on game day.
Guard Mike Iupati (back), cornerback Ugo Amadi (hamstring) and defensive end Benson Mayowa (ankle) all missed a second straight day of practice as well.
Photo Credit: MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass intended for Preston Williams #18 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)