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Spencer out 4-6 Weeks

Written by Chris Sullivan | 24 August 2009

In the second preseason game, Chris Spencer suffered a torn left quadricep muscle and will be benched for between 4 and 6 weeks.

This is not good news, regardless of what you might be thinking on the face of things. While Vallos and Unger are both decent and would probably be able to lead this team for a couple of weeks, our depth on the line is shrinking. Because Spencer passed his initial physical, he is not eligible for the PUP list, neither is Walter Jones. Presumably both will be filling up roster spots for the first few weeks of the year.

Theoretically, Steve Vallos will take the helm at Center with Unger and Wrotto battling for the starting right guard position. I thought Wrotto looked good with the first teamers on Saturday, and Unger was again surprisingly solid at both guard and center. Vallos did not botch any snaps, which has been an issue that I'd noticed in the training camp practices I was able to attend.

A month ago, the starting line was a solid group of veterans: Walter Jones - Mike Wahle - Chris Spencer - Ray Willis - Sean Locklear. Willis has the least experience there, but could easily have been flexed out for Rob Sims. Now the starting line appears to be: Sean Locklear - Rob Sims - Steve Vallos - Max Unger/Manny Wrotto - Ray Willis (who continues to battle a knee issue). These guys combined have fewer starts at their new positions than Walter Jones did in 2005. Even if you love them, that's troubling. That's not to say that it won't get better as the season goes on, but remember: we said that about the WR position last year with Engram, Branch and Obamanu going down or not being ready.

I'm not trying to gloom-and-doom here, but Locklear looked bad at LT on Saturday. I look forward to seeing him this coming week so we can get a chance to see him again after some coaching up. He did not look this bad last year when he filled in, so I'm hopeful.
Comments (10)Add Comment
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written by Tez96, August 24, 2009
I think Sean will be fine at LT. Now that he knows he will be playing that position for a while he can settle it in his mind and focus on getting comfortable again over the next couple of weeks.
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written by kelphelper, August 24, 2009
i wonder if this injury puts spencer's roster spot in jeopardy. roster spots are precious, and we're already holding one for walt, hoping he can come back. i have to think that spencer may not ever start again. unger or vallos might just take it for good, and spencer probably is iffy to be a seahawk next year..
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written by bleedshawkblue, August 24, 2009
In his KJR interview this morning, Mora mentioned the tear did not require surgery, and muscles, especially simple and large ones like the quad, heal about 3-5 times faster than connective tissue. If there's any injuries to the line, Center would do the least damage, as Unger can step right in and Vallos is decent enough to hold the fort for awhile. Looks like the determining factor will be the competition between Unger and Wrotto at LG, and if Wrotto starts, Unger is our new Center. I'd prefer that, and considering the line is young, most all of them are still on the frontside of their development and are still better Left to Right than at least half the rest of the league. The Stealers won a ring last year with a below average line and average RBs and tough, smart play from the QB and WRs. And good downfield blocking.

Hasselbeck also mentioned that 2 of his 3 sacks were because of miscommunications with receivers, a readily correctable thing.

So, Koolaid is still my drink of choice this week...
Locklear
written by Phil N d'Blanc, August 24, 2009
Chris, I seldom completely disagree with you, but this time I must, everything I have seen of Locklear at LT has screamed he is unable to carry off the position, no matter what the scheme. He isn't a bad player, he just isn't fast enough, or IMHO strong enough to control the blind-side rushers. My only (original) knock against Spenser has been his absolute lack of ability to stay healthy. It is just one thing after another with him, and that is the main thing that has held him back thus far, once again, snap crackle and pop, something else tore/broke. Honestly I feel awful for him.
Truth is, I completely agreed with the choice of Curry once it was made, so I am having a hard time seeing a constructive way around this little dilema.
One thought I had was perhaps we can work a trade with the Bengals for the rights to Andre Smith.. say whatever 1st rounder we have next year that is "worse" plus either a couple of 4th or 5th round picks and/or a player or 2 that would be bubble guys here. (Kyle Williams leaps to mind)
We need drug exceptions for our team...
written by GnarlyHawk, August 24, 2009
I'm thinking we need to get an exception to put our players on HGH. Seriously, this injury crap is nuts. We can't even start a season healthy.
Double dippin'
written by bleedshawkblue, August 24, 2009
Injured quad is actually a huge positive. It shows the flexibility and strength of the muscle were such that the load was not transferred to the connective tissue of the knee. Thus out 4-6 weeks vs out for the season.

Score one for the brutal Camp Mora conditioning program. I might take back wanting to fire the entire conditioning staff and run them out of town in pieces for Tru getting a similar injury to Matt. Mora also mentioned Tru is healing up nicely...
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written by Hawkdude, August 24, 2009
I have to admit that I too am concerned with Locklear's ability to man the left side. It is in everyone's benefit for him to be able to adjust to the position, but things currently don't look too bright. I'm axiously awaiting the Chief's game to see how he handles the task.

Andre Smith??
written by Family Jewels, August 24, 2009
Let me guess, you wanted Jason Smith too?
Smith vs Curry
written by Phil N d'Blanc, August 24, 2009
I was an advocate for a LT with the #4 pick with the sole exception of if Curry was there, so basically, I thought we absolutely aced the 1st round, and trading our 2nd rounder for Denvers #1 next year, is, IMHO an absolute victory for our front office for the 2009 draft.
Having said that, I think we are still a legit LT shy of an offensive line (once Walter hangs em up anyway), Cinci is having issues signing Andre Smith, so if we could land him, it might just turn into a super year. BTW, I was never totally in man-love with Jason Smith, I was(am except vs Seattle) an Oher fan who saw value in Monroe.
Andre = Soon To Be Bust
written by Family Jewels, August 24, 2009
Curry aside, I personally believe the about about Andre and it's just a gut feeling. He left his teammates high and dry being ineligible for the Bowl game (couldn't wait a month or so to get $$?) to his actions at the Combine to now his contract holdout. I think he would've been a soon to spread cancer in the lockeroom and w/ the Seahawks, that wouldn't fly...

As for other LT, J Smith looks likes he's an RTO (Right Tackle Only) and the jury's still out on Oher.

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