Seahawks place Russell Wilson, Chris Carson on injured reserve, both eligible to return in Week 10

Seahawks stars Russell Wilson and Chris Carson were placed on injured reserve on Friday. The earliest either player can return to the field is for Seattle’s Week 10 game against the Packers.

Wilson recently had surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in the middle finger of his throwing hand sustained during Seattle’s Week 5 loss to the Rams. The injury has a typical recovery timetable of six weeks. Carson has been dealing with a neck injury which kept him out of Seattle’s game against Los Angeles. Carson ran for 232 yards and three touchdowns during the Seahawks’ first three games. 

With Wilson out, Seattle is moving forward at quarterback with Geno Smith, who went 10 of 17 with 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Rams. Smith, a nine-year veteran who previously spent time with the Jets and Chargers, has a 12-19 career record as an NFL starting quarterback. 

Wilson sustained the injury when his hand hit the helmet of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The Seahawks’ starting quarterback since 2012, Wilson has led the Seahawks to 100 regular-season wins, two Super Bowl appearances and a win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wilson has been named to each of the last four Pro Bowls. His streak of 149 consecutive games played will come to an end.

With Carson out, Alex Collins will continue to receive the bulk of Seattle’s carries. A former Raven, Collins has extension experience against the Seahawks’ upcoming opponent. On “Sunday Night Football” in Week 4 of the 2018 season, Collins scored a key touchdowns at Heinz Field to help the Ravens to a 26-14 victory. 

Based on Wilson’s injury, the Seahawks’ projected win total has dipped from 8-8 to 7.8 wins, according to CBS Sports data scientist Stephen Oh. Seattle’s playoff odds have fallen from 42.7 percent to 22.2.

Seattle is currently 2-3 and in last place in the NFC West division. The Seahawks’ next three games are at Pittsburgh on Sunday night and at home against the 2-2 Saints and the 0-4 Jaguars.