After missing most of last season, and having surgery during the offseason, right tackle Abraham Lucas was finally ready to go during Sunday's win against the 49ers.
Out of precaution and advice from the training staff, Lucas was on a snap count – meaning he didn't play the entire game on Sunday. But Lucas said that didn't affect his momentum or rhythm throughout the game.
"My whole thing was just to stay loose and active," Lucas said. "If I had been sitting around in between each drive, then yes, I probably would've had a little bit of a problem. But I knew the plan coming into it, so I was able to expect that and prepare for that mentally yesterday and the rest of this week."
For Lucas, rehabbing and recovering from surgery was a long process. The last game he played was on December 31, 2023, against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 last season.
"For Abe [Lucas], knowing how much he battled back from injury, he's my locker mate, and talking to him every single day about how's he feeling, where his mindset is at," quarterback Geno Smith said. "He was locked in the entire time. I knew when he steps on the field, he's a difference maker. He means a lot to this team, he means a lot to me as my right tackle. I was really happy to have him out there today."
After the Seahawks starting center, Connor Williams retired earlier this week, Olu Oluwatimi was named the starter.
"Olu will play center for us right now, and we're excited for his opportunity," head coach Mike Macdonald said this week. "Just like all the other young guys who have had opportunities, Olu's right there, he's been working his tail off, and he's got a great opportunity. We're excited to see him play."
Despite one misstep on a botched snap, Oluwatimi played a clean game, considering he didn't know he'd be starting partway through the week.
"I know we had the one snap that we mishandled, but it looked like Geno just missed it," Macdonald said. "The snap looked on target to me, but we'll figure out what went wrong there. We gave a game ball to the whole offensive line. [Oluwatimi] went into Wednesday not knowing he's starting. That says a lot about him and his preparation. He deserves a lot of credit."
Smith also praised the offensive line – especially both Oluwatimi and Lucas.
"Oh, man. I thought they were the unsung heroes throughout the game," Smith said. "Like Olu [Oluwatimi] how much he's battled, right? He battled all throughout camp, didn't get the start and was asked to step in. A lot of guys would've taken the wrong approach, but throughout the entire process, he's had the right approach. I think that led to him stepping right in and playing a tremendous game. I thought he led the guys throughout the entire game. His communication was great. Then he played a great game if you watched the tape. I thought he did some tremendous things out there."
Throughout the season so far, the offensive line has struggled at times whether that be with penalties, allowing quarterback pressures, and run blocking. But Macdonald said Sunday the line played well.
"People have been taking shots at our offensive line, but I thought our guys played really well today. They protected Geno. I thought we really had a good protection plan. He had a little more plays than we wanted him to play, but he was right at his number going into that last drive, so he fought through it. That guy's an absolute warrior. Proud of him."
Running back Kenneth Walker III who finished the day with 54 yards rushing and a touchdown also gave kudos to the offensive line.
"I want to give a shout out to the O-Line," Walker said. "They played lights out and also a shout out to Olu [Oluwatimi]. He came in and stepped up and played lights out as well."
The Seahawks defeated the division rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Check out some of the best post game celebration scenes from their Week 11 victory.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and guard Laken Tomlinson (70) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and center Olu Oluwatimi (51) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and head coach Mike Macdonald celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrated the Seahawks' win over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
