The Seattle Seahawks did not make another trade before the NFL deadline, having made a major move weeks earlier by acquiring guard Quenton Nelson. However, Nelson is now sidelined after aggravating a pre-existing knee issue that required surgery, and he may not be close to returning.
ESPN reporter Brady Henderson said Seattle hopes Nelson can return in Week 12 or 13. The Seahawks have a bye in Week 11, so a Week 13 return would mean he misses two more games. The team has not ruled out a Week 12 comeback, but that remains uncertain.
## Nelson’s Acquisition Factored Into Seahawks’ Deadline Plans
Despite Nelson’s injury, his acquisition was part of Seattle’s decision not to pursue another significant trade. The Seahawks are also beginning to get healthier at running back and chose to stick with their current roster rather than add a veteran at the position.
Seattle had 10 draft picks for the following year, so a lack of draft capital was not the reason the team stayed out of the market. At 5–4 and one game behind the third wild-card spot, the Seahawks planned to continue with their current roster and players expected to return from injury.
## Drew Lock and Charles Cross Also Managing Injuries
The Seahawks did not place Nelson on injured reserve, leaving open the possibility that he could miss fewer than four games. Several other key players are also dealing with injuries.
Sam Darnold remains sidelined with multiple injuries, while backup quarterback Drew Lock has been limited in practice because of elbow and oblique injuries. Left tackle Charles Cross is recovering from an ankle injury and was limited during Seattle’s November 12 practice.
## Mike Macdonald Compares Raiders Matchup to a Divisional Game
Seattle’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders has two notable storylines: first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is set to make his debut as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, and the Seahawks will face their former offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, who is now Las Vegas’ head coach.
The matchup comes as Seattle works through offensive struggles under new coordinator Brian Fleury. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said facing Kubiak’s team feels like a divisional game because the two sides are familiar with one another, even though the Raiders have changed.
Macdonald said that familiarity does not mean Seattle knows exactly what Kubiak’s team will do, leaving the Seahawks to react to the Raiders’ current approach.
