The Seattle Seahawks officially placed linebacker Mychal Kendricks (knee) on the injured reserve, ending his 2019 season.
Seattle used the roster spot to promote tackle Chad Wheeler off the practice squad, adding depth on the offensive line.
“Today, just happened,” Carroll confirmed to media members on Wednesday when asked about Kendricks and the injured reserve. “You’re gonna see Chad Wheeler’s gonna come up.”
Kendricks started 14 games for the Seahawks in 2019, recording 71 combined tackles, four passes defended, three sacks and one interception, lining up as the team’s SAM linebacker.
However, a torn ACL suffered in Seattle’s regular season finale against the 49ers forced the team to turn to rookie Cody Barton, who started his third career NFL game on Sunday against the Eagles and recorded five combined tackles, one sack and two passes defended.
Barton will be counted on again on Sunday against Green Bay, although the Packers reliance on Davante Adams out of the slot could push Seattle into more nickel packages.
Wheeler has been a member of Seattle’s practice squad for most of the year. The tackle has appeared in 27 NFL games, making 19 starts, all with the New York Giants.
His experience as a starter and familiarity with coach Mike Solari should allow him to step in and contribute right away, making him an important depth option.
Seattle could be without both Duane Brown and Mike Iupati again on Sunday, which pushes both Jamarco Jones and George Fant into starting roles and leaves the team with just Wheeler as depth at either tackle spot.
[lawrence-related id=54472]