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Charles Cross Injury Update
Charles Cross is dealing with a hamstring injury and his status is up in the air for the Seahawks next game. He is not ruled out yet but the early signs make it feel more doubtful than safe.
He got hurt at the very end of the win over the Colts. Seattle beat Indianapolis 18 to 16 on a long 56 yard game winning field goal from Jason Myers. Cross was on the field goal unit for that kick. On the replay he takes an awkward step while trying to hold his block. Then he grabs at the back of his leg which is a classic hamstring reaction. He stayed on the field for a moment and then slowly made his way off.
After the game reports confirmed that it was a hamstring issue for the starting left tackle. The team did not give a grade like mild or severe. Mike Macdonald spoke on Monday and said it is a hamstring injury and that they are still gathering information. He did not declare Cross out for the next game. Instead he said it is possible that Cross plays but the staff needs to see how he responds over the next couple of days. That wording usually means the player is genuinely questionable not just a rest day.
The first official injury report for Week 16 added more context. The Seahawks held only a walkthrough on Monday with a short week before facing the Rams. On that estimated report Charles Cross was listed as did not participate. He was the only Seattle player in the did not participate group while others were limited. When a key starter is the only one at that level it shows the team is worried about pushing him too fast.
Hamstring injuries can be tricky for offensive linemen. They need to explode backward in pass sets and anchor in the run game on every snap. If the muscle tugs or grabs when they sit down in a stance it can get worse fast. Cross already missed time earlier in his career with lower body issues so the Seahawks know what it looks like to rush a lineman back too quickly. The short turnaround for a Thursday style game makes it even harder because he has less time to rest and then ramp up.
If Cross cannot go the Seahawks will have to dig into their depth chart at one of the most important spots on the line. Seattle reporters have mentioned names like Josh Jones and Mason Richman as possible replacements on the left side. Neither brings the same first round talent or chemistry with the rest of the line that Cross has built. Protection on Geno Smith’s blind side would become a real concern especially against a Rams front that can still generate pressure. The play calling might shift to quicker throws and more help from tight ends on that edge.
Right now fantasy managers and fans have to treat Cross as a true game time style risk. Sites that track injuries say he faces an uphill battle to be ready by kickoff though they stop short of calling him out. The next clues will come from updated practice reports. If he stays in the did not participate range right up to the game then it likely points to him sitting. If he can at least log a limited session there is a better chance he is active even if he is not at full strength.
For now the best summary is this. Charles Cross hurt his hamstring on the game winning drive against the Colts. The Seahawks have confirmed the injury and listed him as a non participant to start the week. Macdonald says it is possible he plays but there is no guarantee and the team will be cautious with its franchise left tackle on a short week.
Disclaimer
This injury update is based on team statements, practice reports, and media coverage available at the time of writing and may change. Practice participation and coach comments do not guarantee game availability. Fans and fantasy players should monitor official Seattle Seahawks injury reports and game-day inactive lists for final confirmation.
