RENTON -- The Seahawks could be without both starting guards for Sunday’s regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
Left guard J.R. Sweezy is doubtful to play while right guard D.J. Fluker is questionable and is expected to be a game-time decision.
"Sweezy improved during the week," head coach Pete Carroll said. "He got really good consistent information in the checks that we made around the country on what he has because it's an unusual little thing that he's dealing with. It's real uncomfortable. He's got some swelling that he's dealing with. It's probably a 3-4 week recovery for most people and he's going to do it in two weeks. He'll be ready next week."
Sweezy injured his foot when a Kansas City Chiefs lineman landed on it during the second quarter of last week’s victory. Fluker had to play in place of Sweezy despite a strained hamstring that had forced him to miss the previous two games.
"Fluke made real progress this week," Carroll said. "He did some things that helped him and so we're looking forward to him being ready to go if he can make it through the Sunday work out."
If both players can’t play against Arizona, the Seahawks would likely need to add to their roster from the practice squad. Ethan Pocic will get the start at left guard in place of Sweezy, but the only other option currently on the roster is backup center Joey Hunt.
Jordan Roos would be the likely call-up from the practice squad to play or serve as a backup at right guard if Fluker can’t play. Hunt could possibly start at right guard as well or serve as backup to Justin Britt and both guard spots.
Germain Ifedi is back this week after missing the Chiefs game with a groin strain.
With next week’s playoff game - likely against Dallas - the Seahawks would be best served by keeping an eye looking ahead and to not push it with Sweezy or Fluker if either is in doubt. However, Carroll insisted that won't influence their decision-making.
"It has nothing to do with it," Carroll said.
Strong safety Bradley McDougald (knee), free safety Tedric Thompson (ankle), running back Rashaad Penny (knee) and defensive end Dion Jordan (knee) are also questionable.
Thompson missed the Chefs game with chest and ankle injuries. While the chest issue has resolved itself, Thompson missed practice on Thursday due to the ankle injury.
"He's got an irritation at the back of his ankle, kind of around his Achilles," Carroll said. "It's not an Achilles injury but we thought it was for a little bit. He just hasn't quite made it through it to our satisfaction yet. He's going to try and we'll take a look at it on Sunday."
Penny has missed the last two games with a knee issue that flared up following the Minnesota Vikings game.
"He practiced all week. He'll have a work out on Sunday also," Carroll said.
McDougald played last week after getting treatment on his knee done out of town. Though he didn't say it directly, it seems as though he'll play against the Cardinals.
"He practiced today and did fine," Carroll said.
Defensive end Dion Jordan is also questionable with a knee injury, which he's managed throughout the season.
Injury Report:
Photo Credit: LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: J.R. Sweezy of Seattle Seahawks reacts during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)