The Seattle Seahawks took a significant blow to their linebacker core with the loss of linebacker K.J. Wright due to arthroscopic knee surgery that will force him to miss the next several weeks, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN,
This has opened up the door for rookie linebacker Shaquem Griffin to possibly start to begin the 2018 season against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.
Throughout training camp and the preseason, Griffin has made a strong impression on the Seahawks with his play on the field. He has been a huge bright spot for their defense that has seen him garner 18 tackles over the first three preseason games that include a team-best nine in the first preseason tilt. He has shown to be a capable defender that has the ability to get to the ball quickly while providing stability in the second level of the defense.
The initial expectations for him were to be a backup while playing a role on special teams, but he has already exceeded that with his play on the field so far. He now has a chance to secure a significant role on the team to possibly earn a starting spot down the line even when Wright returns to the field.
These first few weeks of the season will be huge in determining what type of role he will play defensively as he's in a key spot in the defense that could be relied upon heavily. He is playing in the spot of one of their core players on that side of the ball that has been a crucial piece to the puzzle in Wright's first years in the league. It is now on Griffin's shoulders to take advantage of this opportunity in front of him.
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