The Seattle Seahawks have been dealt a significant blow with three key players suffering injuries in the past week, just under three weeks before the start of the NFL season. The team, reigning Super Bowl champions, saw wide receiver Jake Bobo sustain a season-ending knee injury during a joint practice session with the Tennessee Titans earlier in the week.
Disaster struck again Sunday night during a preseason game against the Titans at Nissan Stadium. Rookie safety Bud Clark sustained a broken ankle on the first defensive play. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald stated that Clark's injury will sideline him for "multiple months." Clark, the Seahawks' second-round pick at 64th overall from Texas Christian, was attended to by trainers and received support from players on both teams before being carted off the field.
Adding to the team's woes, offensive lineman Mason Richman also suffered a "long-term" injury during the game, according to Macdonald. While specific details of Richman's injury were not immediately available, Macdonald indicated it would keep him out for an extended period. Richman was expected to serve as a backup to Grey Zabel.
"We had three heartbreakers this week, which is tough," Macdonald said, reflecting on the series of injuries.
The Seahawks are scheduled to begin their defense of their Super Bowl title against the New England Patriots on September 9. The team lost the preseason matchup against the Titans 19-16, after the Titans came back from a 13-point deficit.