Seattle Seahawks: Not So Fast With Michael Bennett
By Paul Taylor
After looking on course to return earlier in the week, Michael Bennett’s status is now up in the air for the Seattle Seahawks’ Sunday night clash with the Carolina Panthers.
When asked about Michael Bennett‘s health last Monday, Seattle Seahawks‘ head coach seemed quite optimistic. Speaking to 710 ESPN Seattle, he said: “This is the week he should come back.”
After missing the defensive end for the last five games, this was extremely good news for the Seahawks’ defense. Unfortunately for Carroll, it now appears he may have been a little hasty in assessing Bennett’s chances of playing against the Carolina Panthers.
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The 2015 Pro Bowler did take part in full practice on Wednesday. However, the Seahawks then decided to limit his participation for the remainder of the week.
As a result, Bennett has been listed as questionable for the Sunday night clash with the Panthers. The understanding now is that he will be a game-time decision.
In truth, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious about the 31-year old, who had surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee. As Carroll explained, they rested him a bit more on Thursday and Friday, so as not to overdo him on back-to-back days
Further, the Seahawks’ head coach doesn’t seem too concerned, if his comments to the media on Friday are anything to go by: “He’s highly questionable….and he also has some injury issues.”
Overall, our opinion is that the Seahawks were extremely optimistic earlier in the week about Bennett playing, but then reassessed the situation after seeing him in practice. You know that he will be itching to get out there on Sunday night, but the team has to do what’s best for the player, even if that means sitting him for one more week.
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Given Bennett’s questionable status, how comfortable would you be with him returning against the Panthers? Factoring in how well the Seahawks’ defense has played anyway, would you prefer to sit him for another week? Share your thoughts in the comments section.