The Seattle Seahawks are slated to host the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2019 NFL season opener. They will be without defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

Ansah has been nursing a groin injury heading into the regular season. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, he will be unable to make his Seahawks debut in Week 1 against the Bengals:

Seahawks pass-rusher DE Ziggy Ansah, who has recently battled a groin injury, is inactive today.

Andah's absence undoubtedly deals a crushing blow to Seattle's pass-rush to start the year. He spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery before suffering a setback with the groin. It seems the team will be taking a cautious approach with his recovery before being dubbed healthy enough to return.

It is no secret that the Seahawks have put an emphasis on shoring up their pass-rush this offseason with the signing of Ansah to a one-year, $9 million deal. They then pulled off a blockbuster deal after acquiring defensive end Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston Texans. Both players had favorable matchups going against a Bengals front that is without starting left tackle Cordy Glenn. The onus will fall on Clowney to take advantage in Asah's absence.

The 30-year-old finished the 2018 campaign with 11 tackles and four sacks in just seven games with the Detroit Lions. Although the Seahawks were hoping to see their new pair of edge rushers in action to start the year, they would much rather have Ansah come back 100 percent than risk further aggravating the groin injury.