Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced on Monday that starting center Jalen Sundell will be sidelined for “multiple weeks” due to a knee injury he sustained during Seattle’s Week 10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While the team is considering placing Sundell on injured reserve (IR), Macdonald emphasized that the injury is not currently seen as season-ending.
“It’s his knee,” Macdonald said, describing Sundell as “tough as [expletive]. We’ll see. Hopefully we’ll get him back.”
Sundell left the game in the second half and was replaced by Olu Oluwatimi, who finished the night at center. After overcoming an early errant snap, Oluwatimi settled in and earned a strong postgame grade.
### Injured Reserve Decision Pending
Coach Macdonald indicated that the team will first evaluate the stability and healing of Sundell’s knee before deciding on an IR designation. “We have to get a sense of how strong it is and how well it heals,” he explained.
If the Seahawks opt to move Sundell to IR, he would be required to miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return, according to league rules.
### Not Season-Ending — For Now
Macdonald underlined the team’s current outlook, stating, “Not season-ending as of today.” This aligns with Seattle’s initial assessment following the game, which characterized Sundell’s ailment as a knee injury pending further evaluation to determine a timeline for return.
### Depth Chart Adjustments
This injury occurs during a season where Seattle has been adjusting its offensive line combinations. Oluwatimi, a third-year lineman and 2022 Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy winner at Michigan, has prior starting experience with the Seahawks and is expected to fill in for Sundell.
Oluwatimi is officially listed as the No. 2 center on Seattle’s roster and has previously stepped into the center role when injuries affected the position group.
Additionally, Macdonald mentioned that Christian Haynes will be taking snaps at both guard and center, adding another layer of depth to Seattle’s interior offensive line. Haynes was designated to return from injured reserve on October 29, opening his 21-day practice window.
### Preparing for the Weeks Ahead
“Right now, Oluwatimi will be our center,” Macdonald confirmed. The coaching staff is also working to prepare other players across the interior line. Bryce Cabeldue, a practice-squad interior lineman, participated in work during Sunday’s practice as part of contingency planning.
Haynes, who is in his second year and eligible to return to practice, could be elevated in the coming weeks to provide further support along the offensive line.
### Praising Sundell and Supporting Oluwatimi
Macdonald praised Sundell’s contributions since joining the starting lineup, highlighting his movement skills and ability to reach the second level of the defense.
“I thought he was playing really well for us,” the coach said.
He also complimented Oluwatimi, citing his toughness, resiliency, and quality play when called upon: “He brings similar traits and has played great football.”
### What This Means for Seattle’s Offensive Line
In the immediate term, Seattle’s offensive line depth will rely on Oluwatimi at center, with Haynes as a potential swing option once he is fully activated. The team will continue to monitor the practice squad for short-term elevations to help manage roster flexibility while the front office decides on Sundell’s IR status.
Continuity with Oluwatimi and strong communication with the guards will be key focuses as the Seahawks navigate the critical stretch of their schedule.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/sundell-knee-injury-ir-olu-news/
