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The first-place Seattle Seahawks (4-3) could be without their top pass-catcher for a bit. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 sprained MCL in the second half of Sunday's 34-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and is considered week-to-week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The two-time Pro Bowler sustained the injury while trying to make a catch near the sidelines in the third quarter. He exited on a cart after totaling four receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. His recovery timetable is not perfectly precise, but the worst-case scenario is seemingly off the table.
Metcalf is in the midst of a standout season, ranking second in the NFL with 568 receiving yards. His possible absence could greatly affect a Geno Smith-led passing attack that continues to produce. While there are other difference-making talents in this offense, removing a No. 1 wideout would obviously force offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to put forth a completely new game plan.
Can Seahawks get by without their most powerful receiver?
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Although his fiery personality and occasionally hot temper can be off-putting to some, there is no dying the talent Metcalf possesses. The 6-foot-4 playmaker is an invaluable red-zone target who can inflict significant damage with limited catches (has reached 90 only once in his first five seasons).
Smith is leading the league in passing, but he and the offense have still shown themselves to be inconsistent in key spots. Metcalf can also be slotted in that category, but the Seahawks' ceiling should shrink considerably if he is off the field. Fortunately, the team can thwart opponents in other ways.
Kenneth Walker III is one of the best running backs in the league when healthy, Tyler Locket has sneakily enjoyed a successful career, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has the ability to erupt for spurts and the defense appeared to wake up on the road versus the Falcons. DK Metcalf is the game-breaker who can tie the offense together, but Seattle can possibly survive without him.
Though, if he does miss time, head coach Mike Macdonald will have to dig deep into his bag of tricks to conquer the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
