In the third quarter of a sluggish game against the Miami Dolphins, Seahawks fans feared the worst as Russell Wilson came up limp. A 307-pound Ndamukong Suh landed on Wilson's right ankle while taking him down, causing it to twist in an unusual manner. It was difficult to watch on replay.
Yet, Wilson stayed in. Seattle's offensive output remained mostly stagnant, but Russell still managed to orchestrate the game-winning drive in the final minutes.
After the game, Wilson downplayed the injury. From ESPN's Sheil Kapadia:
“It feels a little sore,” Wilson said. “I'll be all right — just a little ice, a little prayer, a lot of treatment.”
The Reality
However, the actual severity could be much worse. From Ian Rapoport:
#Seahawks QB Russell Wilson shrugged it off, but I'm told his sprained ankle is significant. It puts his availability vs #Rams into question
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2016
Wilson's mobility was obviously hampered by his ailing ankle, but it didn't seem to impact his passes. The bigger issue was giving Wilson enough time to find his receivers.
After the game, head coach Pete Carroll said that they adjusted their play calls to keep Wilson in the pocket. That plan can be dangerous given Seattle's offensive line woes. It will be an even bigger concern against Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams‘ stingy front four.
But, again, Russell doesn't appear too worried:
Hard Work Pays Off!#NoTime2Sleep
P.s…
See you in LA. ????
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 12, 2016