In anticipation of tomorrow’s matchup between the two teams with the best record in the NFC, the Seahawks’ final injury report delivered some disappointing news. During the team’s game-winning field goal over the Colts last week, left tackle Charles Cross suffered a hamstring injury, and as a result, he will miss this week’s Thursday night game. To make matters worse, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Cross’ injury could hold him out for two to four weeks. 
To be clear, the team has not corroborated Rapoport’s estimate. Per Seahawks.com senior reporter John Boyle, head coach Mike Macdonald told the media that they do not have a timeline on Cross’s return. The fourth-year starter hasn’t practiced at all this week, though, and on a short week, there’s just no way he was going to be able to play after a hamstring injury. If Rapoport is correct, though, Cross could miss the remainder of the regular season.
Starting in Cross’s place will be veteran swing tackle Josh Jones. A former third-round pick out of Houston, Jones started 21 games over his second and third years with the Cardinals. The next year, he was traded to the Texans, with whom he started three games. That was back in 2023, and it was the last time that Jones started a game in the NFL.
He signed with the Ravens last year to back up the oft-injured Ronnie Stanley and rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten but didn’t end up getting utilized that much. Luckily for the Seahawks, though, Jones got a good amount of playing time with the first-team offensive line during the preseason as Cross worked his way back from finger surgery.
This injury could hurt Cross’ chances at an extension that he’s been really pushing for this year. Seattle has exercised his fifth-year option, so he’s under contract through next season, but the Seahawks have repeatedly made it known that any potential extension isn’t happening this year. While the time off for injury gives Cross plenty of time to try to negotiate, the reason for his time off likely won’t help him in those discussions.
In reality, Cross’ focus will be on making it back to the field as soon as possible. Whether Rapoport’s report is accurate or not, Seattle is in the thick of the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and every game counts. Getting Cross back for an all-but-certain playoff run is paramount but getting him back even sooner could be extremely beneficial.