Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril has been ruled out for this Sunday's road game against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Cliff's not going to play this week," Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said prior to Wednesday's practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. "We're going to take some time to make sure that we're evaluating him well like we talked about, and we're going to hold him out."
On Monday, Carroll said Avril “got a serious stinger” after taking a hit to the chin in this past Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. On Wednesday, when asked if Avril is still suffering symptoms from this past Sunday's setback, Carroll said: "I think he's fine. He feels fine from what he said the other day." But Carroll noted Avril and the team will continue to seek opinions of doctors before deciding to return Avril to game action.
"It could be [a longer term thing], it could be," Carroll said. "Like I said, we're going very slowly and making sure that he takes all of the opportunity to talk to as many people as he needs to talk to so he knows what he's got and what we need to do with it. We're just going to take care of him and make sure that he's well and if he wants to come back and we want to bring him back then we'll let you know when we know, but right now we don't."
Seattle re-signed 2016 fifth-round draft pick Quinton Jefferson from the Rams' practice squad earlier this week to provide defensive line depth in Avril's absence.
Here's a few more injury notes from Carroll's Wednesday press conference:
- Left tackle Rees Odhiambo "got upgraded today" after he was hospitalized earlier this week for having difficulty breathing as a result of a bruised sternum he suffered in this past Sunday's game. "He's going to practice today," Carroll said. "He went through the walk thru and all that, so he's made a quick turn and it'll be important to see how he handles wearing pads today and all that, see how he handles that. But a very favorable turn here, so we'll see what happens."
- Cornerback Jeremy Lane, who exited this past Sunday's win with a groin pull, has "a long week" ahead, Carroll said. "We're going to see all the way to the end of the week if he can make a comeback on this thing, but he won't be able to practice for the next couple days."
- Cornerback and key special teams contributor Neiko Thorpe, who's missed the past two weeks with an ankle injury, has a chance to play this weekend against the Rams. "He's going to work," Carroll said. "He's going this week and we're really excited to get him back. We'll need to see how he handles the work, but he's going to practice today and we'll see how it goes."
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Team photographer Rod Mar shares exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the Seahawks' 46-18 win over the Indianapolis Colts during Week 4 at Seattle's CenturyLink Field.
Head coach Pete Carroll arrives at CenturyLink Field for the Week 4 home game against the Colts.
In the Seahawks home locker room, offensive guard Oday Aboushi laces up his cleats before early pregame warmups prior to Sunday's game against the Colts.
Center Justin Britt is bathed in lasers as he awaits introduction in the Seahawks pregame tunnel.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson scrambles in the first quarter.
Seahawks cornerback Justin Coleman returns an interception for a touchdown as Indianapolis quarterback Jacoby Brissett watches from the ground.
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright stops Colts running back and Robert Turbin.
Fans take a selfie during a break in the action.
Cornerback Shaquill Griffin was just inches away from knocking away a touchdown pass caught by Colts receiver Donte Moncrief.
Seahawks legend Kenny Easley (wearing his gold NFL Hall of Fame jacket) shakes hands with team owner Paul Allen during a halftime ceremony in which Easley's jersey number was retired and hung in the rafters of CenturyLink Field.
Kenny Easley looks towards the east rafters of CenturyLink Field as his jersey was revealed next to the retired numbers of other Seahawks greats Steve Largent, Walter Jones and Cortez Kennedy. The number 12 is also retired in honor of the fans.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson scores after scrambling for a 23-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Quarterback Russell Wilson pumps his fists as he celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 23-yard scramble in the third quarter.
Seahawks tight end Luke Willson blocks for Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett.
Seahawks running back J.D. McKissic tries to tackle Colts defensive back Malik Hooker but is stiff-armed after an interception.
Seahawks running back J.D. McKissic was knocked down in pursuit of Colts defensive back Malik Hooker but got up and made the tackle.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner hits quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the defense continued to pressure the Colts.
The moon shines over the arches of CenturyLink Field in the second half.
Seahawks tight end Luke Willson spikes the ball after a six-yard touchdown reception from Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks tight ends Jimmy Graham, Luke Willson and Nick Vannett celebrate after Willson's touchdown.
Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark grabs ahold of Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark pulls down Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett by the jersey.
Bobby Wagner and Michael Bennett combine to finish a sack of Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
The Seahawks entire team walked onto the field and surrounded injured running back Chris Carson, who was taken off the field on a cart.
Seahawks running back Eddie Lacy leaps for more yardage during the fourth quarter. Lacy had 11 carries for 52 yards in the win.
The Sea Gals perform on the field during a break in the fourth quarter.
Seattle running back J.D. McKissic catches a 27-yard pass from Russell Wilson for McKissic's second TD of the game.
