Lofa Lost for the Year

Written by Chris Sullivan | 29 October 2009

Not that it is a huge shock, since we've already heard this news, but after Mora gave us all a breath of hope, that hope has been dashed: Lofa Tatupu has been placed on the injured reserve. David Hawthorne is your new starting middle linebacker, who has performed admirably in Lofa's absence, but clearly lacks the elite tools that Lofa has. An extra 10 games of play might provide Hawthorne with some serious trade value though, which we may need heading into what could be a crucial draft with no third round pick.

Lofa's surgery does not seem too concerning, other than being out for the year. In 2006, Patrick Kerney had the same procedure and came back to nearly win NFC Defensive POY. Last year, Rob Sims had the surgery and has played very well thus far. Hat tip to Danny O'Neil for that information, and thanks to Hurbynhawk for the heads-up!

In better news, Rob Sims, Matt Hasselbeck and Patrick Kerney were all full participants in practice today.

Comments (13)

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written by tam, October 29, 2009

and the hits just keep on coming.

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maybe...
written by centorhawk, October 29, 2009

this will probably piss some people off, but maybe hawthorne performs like a stud this year and we have lofa's trade value?

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written by tam, October 29, 2009

centorhawk, i wouldnt be against that one bit. personally, i agree, i think lofa has dropped off in the last couple of years.

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BLASPHEMERS - *^@%#*
written by Tomahawker, October 29, 2009

Blasphemy I say ... Seahawk BLASPHEMY... pure and simple.. Hrump.. Hrump....

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written by seahawker, October 29, 2009

i think Lofa's worth to this defense is extremely overrated..

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written by hurbynseahawk, October 29, 2009

Lofas understanding of rivals offenses makes him invaluable until we find another tough guy with a good head on his shoulders to fill his shoes. Lofa hasnt necessarily been making big plays, but he sets up the players around him on D to make big plays with his anticipation of offensive plays and last minute adjustments....

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written by Angry MAn, October 29, 2009

Lofa got tired of the "too small" comments and beefed up a little too much. Height overcompensation. He slowed down because his body cant handle the extra weight......hence....injury.

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Lofa:
written by LouieLouie, October 29, 2009

Lofa signed a large contract, and then proceeded to receive a DUI. Since then it has been a steady dose of injuries. I think that his psyche has suffered somewhat.

Hey AngryMan, you might have a point about his weight. He has seemed a bit rotund the last season or two.

While I'm not glad that Lofa is on IR, I am looking forward to seeing what Hawthorne can bring to the table. I wouldn't be surprised if he pleasantly surprises Hawkdom.

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written by Hawks Fan, October 29, 2009

Am i the only one that feels we should trade one of our Linebackers in the right deal of course. We have 3 high paid linebackers, we could probably get a Safety or high draft pick for one of them (not AC)

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written by Hawkdude, October 29, 2009

If we were to trade one of our LBs, I'd like to see Hill be the guy traded. He is injury prone and I like what Hawthorne, and Herring are bringing. Lofa's football IQ is off the charts and I would think that trading him will really hurt us. Lofa is also a great leader. Tough to find those assets in a skilled player. I don't see Hill or haven't seen it anyways, as a leader on the team.

If we can get a late first or second for him, I think it would be a good deal. I understand that Glen Dorsey is available for the right deal with the Chiefs.

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Trade Linebackers?
written by LouieLouie, October 29, 2009

This past off season the Hawks FO spent a lot of effort and money to put together a linebacking crew that should be one of the best in pro football. Last year, Leroy Hill was one of the few bright spots on the team. It isn't very likely that they will trade any of them away.

If Hawthorne plays like a starting middle linebacker, he could have some trade value. With the exception of the Indy game, the D has played reasonably well. This group, like the O-Line, needs to spend time playing together, and being healthy. By the second half of the season, baring any major injuries, the D will be solid.

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written by nightwulf, October 30, 2009

Depends on what we can get...if, say, The Flaming Thumbtacks want to give us their first rounder for Lofa, I say go for it...if, on the other hand, say, Indy were to offer theirs, we tell them to throw in Manning to sweeten the deal (not that they'd even think about it, but can you imagine the look on their faces? Priceless!) Hill we could let go for a late 1st, early 2nd...or maybe a pair of 3rds...Hawthorne, very late 2nd, early to mid 3rd...Herring, late 3rd...Lewis, ditto...

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Lofa
written by ScottS, October 30, 2009

I have to say I am tired of hearing how high Lofa's "Football IQ" is. What we have been missing from him the last 2 seasons is hard hitting and serious play disruption. I think this IQ thing is for the most part a bunch of bull. Who cares how smart he is if he is not an impact in the game.

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