Tag: Abe Lucas

Geno Smith explains Connor Williams’ surprising retirement

Geno Smith explains Connor Williams’ surprising retirement

Last week, the Seattle Seahawks and their fans were given quite a Friday afternoon shock. Shortly after announcing center Connor Williams was ruled out for the Week 11 game against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Mike Macdonald broke the news that Williams decided to officially retire.

Williams was signed in the offseason and had started all nine games up to that point. He was also playing well, but his play dropped off to a precipitous degree in Weeks 8 and 9 with uncharacteristic high snaps past quarterback Geno Smith.

Macdonald did not elaborate as to why Williams decided to hang up his cleats and call it a career, but we may have some new insight this week. Smith was recently on the Richard Sherman Podcast, and Sherm brought it up as a situation that caught him by surprise. Smith gave a thoughtful response to Sherm about his former teammate.

Given the glamor and glory associated with professional sports, especially the National Football League, it can be easy to forget the players we see on television aren’t demi-gods. Or comic book superheroes. Or video game characters. They are real people, with real issues, concerns, and interests. They are well compensated, but all the money in the world can’t always buy peace of mind or fix mental health concerns.

Whatever the situation may be for Connor Williams, we hope he is able to find said peace and weather whatever storm he is facing in his own life. Hopefully, the decision to walk away from football was the right one.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Starting quarterback Geno Smith executed a game-winning drive by rushing for what was essentially a walk-off touchdown. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | 88.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again Seattle’s most effective wide receiver, recording 10 receptions for 110 yards. Smith’s game-winning, 11-play drive that gained 83 yards featured two third-down conversions to Smith-Njigba in the clutch. DK Metcalf is back from injury, but JSN is currently Smith’s go-to playmaker.

Olu Oluwatimi | C | 80.8

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup after Connor Williams shockingly retired earlier this week. Oluwatimi rose to the occasion, earning an overall grade of 80.8 from PFF as Seattle’s highest-graded offensive lineman. The former Michi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays.

Abe Lucas | RT | 76.8

The theme of returning offensive linemen thriving for the Seahawks continued with right tackle Abe Lucas. Making his season debut, PFF credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. With a stellar 76.8 grade, his return appears to have immediately solved Mike Macdonald’s season-long revolving door at right tackle.

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How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his 2024 regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas had been practicing in recent weeks, but had spent the first 10 weeks on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It was an encouraging debut for the former Washington State standout in a must-win game within the NFC West.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to ease Lucas back into the lineup. He rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps.

Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He played a high-quality game, earning a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, Lucas was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

“The last five or six plays [of Geno Smith’s game-winning drive], I was breathing very heavily,” Lucas admitted to reporters during his post-game media conference. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve played. When Geno took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus.”

Coach Macdonald and his staff wisely managed Lucas’ workload. He was terrific, helping transform Seattle’s struggling offensive line to a productive unit against the 49ers. The Seahawks were efficient on third down, converting six-of-13 attempts. Seattle’s offense out-gained San Francisco’s 289-277.

Lucas will attempt to continue showing signs of growth against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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First half recap: 49ers lead the Seahawks 7-6

First half recap: 49ers lead the Seahawks 7-6

The Seattle Seahawks are in a crucial Week 11 rematch against the San Francisco 49ers, and so far, the Niners have a clear edge. In a rapid first half, San Francisco leads Seattle by a score of 7-6.

The Seahawks forced the Niners on a three-and-out to start the game, and eventually took an early lead on their opening drive.

While it did end with a sack on third down, as Nick Bosa beat Abe Lucas in his season debut, Jason Myers did nail a 52-yard attempt to give Seattle a 3-0 lead.

San Francisco responded immediately, as the Niners engineered a 12-play, 71-yard drive which ended with Brock Purdy scrambling ten yards into the end zone. Purdy has been sacked twice today, but remains frustratingly elusive. Still, two more sacks then the Seahawks were able to secure against him in their Week 6 loss.

Seattle had to punt on their next possession, but quickly got the ball back thanks to cornerback Devon Witherspoon and defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins – the first interception of the big man’s career.

Regrettably, the Seahawks were not able to take full advantage of the interception, as they were held to another field goal. But they did get points out of it, as Jason Myers connected from 57-yards out. Myers now has 22 successful field goals from 50+ yards as a Seahawk, which is the most in franchise history.

Following a sack of Purdy to knock the Niners out of field goal range, Seattle did get the ball back.

Once again, the Seahawks couldn’t take advantage of what their defense gave them, and they had to punt the ball away.

First half stats:

  • Total Yards: 49ers – 152, Seahawks – 104
    • Rushing: 49ers – 82, Seahawks – 29
    • Passing: Seahawks – 75, 49ers – 70
  • Total plays: 49ers 31 to Seahawks’ 24
  • First downs: 49ers 12 to Seahawks’ 7
  • Time of Possession – 49ers lead 18:32 to Seattle’s 11:28

Geno Smith has completed 11-of-14 passes for 91 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and has been sacked twice. Purdy has completed 11-of-15 for 83, no touchdowns, one interception, and has taken two sacks as well.

Seattle will get the ball to start the second half.

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Is Abe Lucas playing today? Inactive updates for Seahawks vs 49ers

Is Abe Lucas playing today? Inactive updates for Seahawks vs 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks have announced their inactives list for the impending Week 11 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. There is some truly good news for Seattle, regarding two of their best players!

Officially making his 2024 season debut will be right tackle Abe Lucas, who returned from practice off the PUP list this week. Lucas did not carry a gametime designation going into the weekend, and the final hurdle he had to clear was avoiding a last-second inactive ranking. Now, he is back! And it’s a good thing too, as star defensive end Nick Bosa is also officially active. Bosa was listed as QUESTIONABLE headed into the weekend.

Joining Lucas on the field will be wide receiver DK Metcalf, who missed the previous two games for Seattle due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain. Thankfully, he will be able to take the field in a crucial must-win game for the Seahawks.

On the other side, San Francisco tight end George Kittle will not be playing.

The full inactive list for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives:

  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett
  • TE Brady Russell
  • LB Trevis Gipson
  • G Sataoa Laumea
  • WR Dareke Young
  • TE Noah Fant
  • DE Myles Adams

49ers Inactives:

  • QN Josh Dobbs
  • CB Charvarious Ward
  • TE George Kittle
  • DL Kevin Givens
  • OL Ben Bartch
  • DL Khalil Davis
  • WR Ronnie Bell

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the day.

DK Metcalf and Abe Lucas look to return in Week 11 for the Seahawks

DK Metcalf and Abe Lucas look to return in Week 11 for the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks released their official injury report earlier on Friday afternoon. While tight ends Noah Fant and Brady Russell, as well as center Connor Williams will not be taking the field on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, there are two other key Seahawks who will.

Absent from the injury report for Sunday’s game are wide receiver DK Metcalf and right tackle Abe Lucas! Earlier this week, Lucas was officially activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Once he returned to practice, he had a 21-day window to make the active roster or be shut down for the remainder of the season. Fortunately for the WAZZU standout, Lucas made the cut just in time. Lucas began the year on the PUP list following offseason surgery and his absence has been felt on the right side of the line.

His return could not come at a better time. San Francisco still boasts a ferocious defensive front. Lucas will be needed to help protect quarterback Geno Smith from even more punishment this year.

Additionally, the return of DK Metcalf is also incredibly welcome. Metcalf exited the Week 7 game against Atlanta with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, following his four reception 99 yards and one touchdown performance against the Falcons. Without Metcalf, Seattle’s offense struggled against the Bills. While Jaxon Smith-Njigba filled the deep threat role admirably in the 26-20 overtime loss to the Rams, getting Metcalf back will help the Seahawks truly stretch the field once again.

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Seahawks rule C Connor Williams and 2 others OUT for Week 11

Seahawks rule C Connor Williams and 2 others OUT for Week 11

The Seattle Seahawks have made their game-time designations for Sunday’s Week 11 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, and it is a mixed bag of good and bad news.

Let us get the bad news out of the way first: starting center Connor Williams, who has played in all of Seattle’s games this year, has been ruled OUT. The reason? Well, we are not quite sure. Officially, it is listed as “not-injury related: personal.” Williams missed this week’s practice with the same designation. As of now, neither he or the Seahawks have explained why he has missed so much time. This puts backup sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi in line to get his first start of the season.

Additionally, tight ends Noah Fant and Brady Russell are also ruled OUT. Look for rookie AJ Barner to be the go-to guy once again in their absence.

The good news is while the interior of Seattle’s offensive line could be taking a hit without Williams, right tackle Abe Lucas will likely be back! Lucas carries no designation, and as an active participant in practice this week – as well as being officially activated off the PUP list – it appears he is going to make his 2024 debut!

Joining him should be wide receiver DK Metcalf. After missing the last two games due to an MCL sprain, Metcalf returned to practice and also does not carry a gametime designation. Getting Lucas and Metcalf back into the fold will be massive for the Seattle offense.

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Seahawks vs 49ers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 11

All the latest updates and news on Seattle’s injury report ahead of a Week 11 game vs. San Francisco.

The Seattle Seahawks have completed another practice ahead of their crucial Week 11 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle got starting right tackle Abe Lucas and star wide receiver DK Metcalf back at practice on Wednesday. Fortunately, both players were full participants on Thursday. This of course to more signs the team will have both players ready to go on Sunday.

On the other side, the 49ers were without some of their stars. For a second-straight day, Nick Bosa, Charvarius Ward, and Trent Williams were non-participants. Tight end George Kittle was limited after missing Wednesday’s outing.

The full injury report for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks injury report

Did Not Participate:

  • TE Noah Fant – Groin
  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • C Connor Williams – NIR-Personal
  • NT Jonathan Hankins – NIR-Rest

Limited Participation:

  • DE Leonard Williams – Foot
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • S Coby Bryant – Illness

Full Participation:

  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • WR DK Metcalf – Knee
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – Shoulder

49ers injury report

Did Not Participate:

  • DE Nick Bosa – Hip
  • DT Kevin Givens – Groin
  • CB Charvarius Ward – NIR-Personal
  • T Trent Williams – Ankle/NIR-Rest
  • P Mitch Wishnowsky – Back

Limited Participation:

  • TE George Kittle – Hamstring
  • WR Chris Conley – Hamstring
  • C Jon Feliciano – Knee
  • WR Jauan Jennings – Ankle
  • RB Christian McCaffrey – Achilles

Full Participation:

  • Renardo Green – Toe
  • DE Yetur Gross-Matos – Knee

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Seahawks vs 49ers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 11

All the latest updates and news on Seattle’s injury report ahead of a Week 11 game vs. San Francisco. 

The Seattle Seahawks are back in action this week as they return from their much-needed Bye Week. Seattle treated fans to some good news on Wednesday with the update that right tackle Abe Lucas has been officially activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. This of course helps pave the way for him to potentially make his season debut on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lucas was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, alongside top pass rusher Boye Mafe. Overall, it is a relatively solid health report for the Seahawks, who have been battling crucial injuries all season long.

The Seahawks are +6.5 underdogs this weekend. It is going to take a healthy lineup and improved offensive line for them to have a shot at stealing one on the road. The full injury report for Seattle’s Wednesday practice is below.

Story begins below————

Seahawks injury report

Did Not Participate in Practice:

  • TE Noah Fant – Groin
  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • DE Leonard Williams – Foot
  • C Connor Williams – NIR-Personal

Limited Participation:

  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee

Full Participation:

  • WR DK Metcalf – Knee
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – Shoulder

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Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

The Seattle Seahawks have just given the 12th Man a jolt of much-needed good news this week. On Wednesday morning, the team officially activated right tackle Abe Lucas off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas has been recovering from a procedure on his knee he had done this past winter, and it cost him the first nine games of the season this year.

Lucas began the 2024 campaign on the PUP list, but was recently designated to return to practice at the end of October. Once he returned to practice, the clock began on a 21-day window to be able to be ready to join the active 53-man roster or be shut down for the remainder of the season. The fact he has been upgraded off the PUP list is a great sign, and points to a potential season debut against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

Unfortunately, Lucas returning means someone loses their spot on the 53-man roster, and it appears it will once again be right tackle George Fant. In Week 9, Fant made his return after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. Sadly, his return was short lived as he re-injured his knee, and has once again been placed on injured reserve.

Should Lucas be able to go on Sunday, it will signify a considerable upgrade to a Seahawks offensive line in shambles… especially on the right side. Seattle will need all the help they can get if they want to upset the 49ers.

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