The Seattle Seahawks have suffered multiple injuries at the tight end position this season.
For the second year in a row, the team did not begin the season with veteran Ed Dickson, who started the last two seasons on the injured reserve and remains there still – although he’s expected to be back in Week 12.
Then, also for the second year in a row, the Seahawks lost Will Dissly to a season-ending injury, this time to his achilles heel.
As if that wasn’t enough, a hamstring injury is currently ailing Luke Willson as well, leaving the team with just one true healthy tight end on the roster – former practice squad player Jacob Hollister.
However, Hollister has more than risen to the occasion, hauling in his first three career touchdowns in the last two games, including a game-winner in overtime against Atlanta.
Hollister has immediately proven to be a capable red zone target for Russell Wilson, and coach Pete Carroll believes his previous football experience helped develop the chemistry between the two.
“Jacob is just a good ball player,” Carroll commented. “He’s a really good football player. I think he’s a really good all-around athlete and I love that he was a quarterback growing up and played other sports. He’s just a really good ball player. He’s tough as hell. He’s delivering blows and taking hits. Competing like crazy. It shows up.”
Hollister came to the Seahawks from the Patriots for a seventh round pick over the offseason. He immediately made a great impression on the team during training camp and in the preseason. Although he did not make the active roster, he was quickly added to the team’s practice squad and was activated in Week 6.
Hollister’s first few games saw him contribute primarily on special teams, but his performance on those units helped boost Carroll’s confidence in his young tight end.
“When a guy is really good on special teams and he gives great effort in blocking and he catches the football, that’s a complete package guy,” Carroll continued. “I think Jacob is going to be a tremendous asset for us going down there. I don’t think this is any fluke or anything. He’s just a good football player. He’s learned well.”
Hollister has showed up in a big way in the passing game these past few games, but a big part of Seattle’s offense involves blocking up front from the tight end, which is what makes players like Dickson, Willson, Dissly and tackle-turned-tight end George Fant appealing.
While Hollister’s size limits him as a run blocker, Carroll still appreciates the effort.
“He gives us great effort; he gives us everything he’s got,” Carroll continued. “He’s not a big guy so, he has to really work hard. Technique-wise his footwork is really good, his hand placement is good, and he fights you. We’re getting everything we can from him and that’s all we can ask.”
Hollister and the Seahawks will enjoy Sunday’s slate of games from home before they get set to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia in Week 12.
[lawrence-related id=51066]