Seattle Seahawks predicting Abraham Lucas will not return when eligible Week 5, longer absence expected

Here's a negative little note that slipped under the radar last week amid all of the excitement of the Seattle Seahawks ' hot start to the season. It helps explain why the team brought in long-time veteran right tackle Jason Peters for a free agent visit earlier this week, certainly.

When ESPN Seahawks beat reporter Brady Henderson wrote up the story about George Fant going on the injured reserve list , he included a bit about starter Abe Lucas and when he might return. Apparently, they're not expecting the former Cougars star to get back in the lineup until at least midseason.

ESPN update on RT Abraham Lucas

"Fant had been starting in place of Abe Lucas, who remains on the physically unable to perform list after offseason knee surgery. He's eligible to return as early as Week 5, but Seattle has been preparing to be without Lucas until at least midseason."

Just above this in Henderson's piece is a note about Seattle's pass block win rate , which was last in the league going into Week 3 (currently ranking 30th). That's why they need Lucas back in the lineup, for one. Getting a couple of upgrades at guard wouldn't hurt, either.

Lucas missed 11 games last season with his knee issue, which dates back to his time at Washington State. The Seahawks are hoping the procedure he got done during the offseason will suffice as a long-term solution. If it doesn't and Lucas can't return and ball out at some point in the 2024 season then their decision to draft Lucas may start to look like a bad pick.

For now, Stone Forsythe will continue to start at right tackle as George Fant will be out for at least the next few games. McClendon Curtis is also available, but it sounds like Jason Peters may be on deck, instead. Head coach Mike Macdonald told the media yesterday they'll see how it goes the next week but Peters will sign with the practice squad if he does.

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