The Impact of Tariq Woolen’s Ankle Injury on the Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks beat the Cardinals 16-6 on Sunday, and also appear to have come out of the game without many injury concerns.

Starting right guard Anthony Bradford exited the game with an ankle injury and did not return, but his was the only injury announced during the game. With Bradford out, rookie Christian Haynes took over and finished the game.

Bradford appears to have avoided serious injury, but will likely miss at least one game, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said.

"He's got an ankle, and we'll see," Macdonald said. "It's not broken or anything. I don't want to give a timetable, but probably looking like at least a game."

Cornerback Riq Woolen briefly left the game after Coby Bryant accidentally landed on his teammates foot/ankle after leaping over a receiver being covered by Woolen. But after getting checked out by athletic trainers, Woolen came off the field for just one play—a requirement for a player who receives on-field medical attention—before returning to action.

Woolen’s Injury: What Happened?

Tariq Woolen sustained his ankle injury during a game when a teammate, Coby Bryant, accidentally landed on his foot and ankle while leaping over a receiver Woolen was covering. Although Woolen initially left the game for on-field medical attention, he returned after missing just one play. This brief absence reassured fans of his resilience, but subsequent evaluations have kept Woolen’s status uncertain.

The injury occurred at a critical juncture for the Seahawks as they prepare for a grueling stretch of games, including matchups against strong opponents like the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged the delicate situation, stating that Woolen’s availability is "down to the wire." This uncertainty reflects the careful balancing act between pushing for performance and ensuring long-term health.

The Broader Impact on Seattle’s Defense

A Unit Under Siege by Injuries

Woolen’s injury isn’t the only blow to the Seahawks' defensive roster. During the same game, outside linebacker Derick Hall suffered a foot injury, and other key defenders like Tre Brown and Artie Burns have also been sidelined. With all three levels of the defense experiencing setbacks, the Seahawks are navigating a minefield of challenges that could disrupt their season's momentum.

Cornerback Crisis

The cornerback position has been particularly hard-hit. Artie Burns was placed on injured reserve after aggravating a toe injury, and Tre Brown's status remains uncertain as he has not been practicing. If Woolen is also ruled out, the Seahawks could face significant vulnerabilities in their secondary. The potential starting lineup might feature Devon Witherspoon, Coby Bryant, and Nehemiah Pritchett, a group that lacks Woolen's elite coverage ability and could struggle against high-powered offenses.

Woolen’s Value: Why His Absence Matters

Tariq Woolen has been nothing short of a revelation for the Seahawks this season. His ability to shut down opposing receivers has been a cornerstone of Seattle's defensive success. Woolen's league-leading metrics speak volumes about his skill:

• Completion Rate: Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 27.3% of passes when targeting Woolen.

• Passer Rating: A jaw-dropping 1.7 rating, effectively making him a nightmare for offensive coordinators.

Without Woolen, the Seahawks lose more than just a skilled player—they lose a defensive anchor. His absence forces adjustments that could expose the team to mismatches, particularly against teams with deep receiving corps.

Potential Solutions and Adjustments

Internal Adjustments

In Woolen's absence, the Seahawks will likely rely on their remaining depth in the secondary. Devon Witherspoon, who has shown promise, could take over on the left boundary, while Coby Bryant may move to the slot. Nehemiah Pritchett, a lesser-known but capable player, could step in on the right side. While these adjustments can cover the immediate need, they may not replicate the high level of performance Woolen provides.

Seeking Outside Help

With the cornerback depth stretched thin, the Seahawks may consider bringing in outside help. The recent acquisition of Roy Robertson-Harris from the Jacksonville Jaguars highlights the team's willingness to explore trades to bolster their roster. Whether additional moves will be made remains to be seen, but securing experienced depth at cornerback could prove vital.

Tactical Adjustments

The coaching staff may also employ tactical changes to mitigate the loss of Woolen. This could include more zone coverage schemes to minimize one-on-one matchups or increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks through blitz packages. By disrupting the timing and rhythm of opposing offenses, the Seahawks can mask their vulnerabilities in coverage.

The Road Ahead

The Seahawks face a pivotal stretch of games that will test their resilience and depth. While they managed a 16-6 victory against the Cardinals despite injuries, the upcoming schedule includes formidable opponents like the 49ers and Falcons. These games will not only challenge the team’s tactical adaptability but also highlight the importance of health and recovery for key players like Woolen.

Long-Term Considerations

For Woolen, the priority should be ensuring a full recovery to avoid aggravating the injury. Rushing him back could risk further complications, which would have long-term repercussions for both the player and the team. The Seahawks’ medical and coaching staff must strike a delicate balance between competitiveness and player safety.

Fourth & Long

Tariq Woolen’s ankle injury is a microcosm of the challenges the Seattle Seahawks are facing this season. It underscores the fragility of NFL rosters and the cascading effects injuries can have on team performance. While Woolen's resilience and talent offer hope for a speedy recovery, the Seahawks must prepare for every eventuality as they navigate a critical phase in their season.

In the grand scheme, Woolen’s health is paramount—not just for his individual career but for the Seahawks' aspirations as a competitive team. Whether through tactical adjustments, roster reinforcements, or sheer resilience, the Seahawks will need to rally to overcome this adversity. With the right approach, Woolen’s injury can become a defining moment that galvanizes the team, rather than a setback that derails their season.

MOre Information About Ankle Sprains

The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the ends of the tibia and fibula (shin bones) in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot. The joint between the tibia and the talus bears the vast majority of the body's weight while the fibula keeps the talus under the tibia.
The term "ankle" is used to describe structures in the region of the ankle joint proper. The joint under the ankle allows side to side movement while the ankle joint proper allows the foot to hinge up and down. Together they allow the foot to move as it were connected to the leg with a ball joint. Listed below are some of the most common pathologies written by our staff and local physicians that we see.

Up to 70% of people who sustain an acute ankle sprain may develop chronic ankle instability with the likelihood of additional ankle sprains.  When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) are stretched or torn.  Each subsequent sprain leads to further weakening (or stretching) of the ligaments, resulting in greater instability and the likelihood of developing additional problems in the ankle.  

These additional problems could include:

• Ankle stiffness due to chronic swelling

• Reduced balance with the ankle feeling wobbly or unstable

• Chronic ankle pain

• Arthritis

• Compensation patterns with walking

• Adjacent joint pain in the mid-foot or knee due to changes in motion at the ankle

The great news is that a physical therapist (PT) is specifically trained to provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to reduce these problems following an ankle sprain.  Your PT will likely start to restore full motion in your ankle, which may be limited by swelling or joint stiffness.  Focused strengthening exercises will be incorporated into your treatment plan to ensure that your ankle has the dynamic stability it needs for your activities.  Treatment will also include proprioception (balance) training to enhance your ankle’s ability to provide accurate signals to your brain as it reacts to changes in joint position.  Lastly, higher level agility movements will help you to become more confident with reactive balance, changing directions, and greater speed.

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AUTHOR:

Ben Wobker, PT, MSPT, CSCS, SFMAc
LWPT Founder & Director

CONTRIBUTORS:

Mark Bouma   DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, FAAOMPT, CFI
Owner and Physical Therapist LWPT West Seattle
Dr. Johnathan Hall, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon ProOrtho
Dr. Dayne Mickelson, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon

 Sources:

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• Radovanović, G., Bohm, S., Peper, K.K. et al. Evidence-Based High-Loading Tendon Exercise for 12 Weeks Leads to Increased Tendon Stiffness and Cross-Sectional Area in Achilles Tendinopathy: A Controlled Clinical Trial. Sports Med - Open 8, 149 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00545-5

• Stevens M, Tan CW. Effectiveness of the Alfredson protocol compared with a lower repetition-volume protocol for midportion Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;44(2):59-67. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4720. Epub 2013 Nov 21. PMID: 24261927.

• Easley, F. A.Surgical Strategies: Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy (2017).

• Kumar, et al. Management of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (2021).

• Vosseller, et al. Meta-analysis of Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy. (2020).