Just when the Seattle Seahawks are finally gaining steam, they are hit with bad news, as head coach Pete Carroll told SiriusXM NFL Radio that Cliff Avril has been placed on the injured reserve list and that the defensive end is contemplating a major decision.

That “big decision” appears to be whether Avril will call it quits and retire from the NFL.

Avril hasn’t been able to play since suffering a neck injury in Week 4 when he tried to take down Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett in a 46-18 victory at home. Although he was a crucial piece on the Seahawks’ defensive team, Seattle barely needed his help when they followed that Colts win with a 16-10 victory in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams.

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Still, Avril brings so much value to the team when healthy. After spending the first five seasons of his career in a Detroit Lions uniform, Avril hooked up with Seattle in 2013 and proceeded to record at least eight sacks in three of the next five seasons.

Losing Avril would mean that the Seahawks’ defense wouldn’t be as imposing as it was when it had him prowling on the other end opposite of Michael Bennett.

This is frustrating for both Seattle and most especially Avril, who made it to his first Pro Bowl last season after recording a career-high 11.5 sacks.