Seahawks list Quenton Nelson week-to-week after minor knee procedure
Seattle’s newly acquired eight-time Pro Bowl guard will miss Sunday’s game against the 49ers, forcing a lineup change on the offensive line.
By Adriana Abebe ·
Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Quenton Nelson underwent a minor knee procedure this week and is listed as week-to-week, head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters. The surgery addressed cartilage fragments that had been causing issues for the player. Seattle has decided not to place Nelson on injured reserve at this time, leaving his status to be evaluated on a weekly basis.
Nelson arrived in Seattle just seven days ago. The Seahawks acquired the eight-time Pro Bowl left guard from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick. The trade was intended to bolster a line that had struggled to protect its quarterback and open running lanes earlier in the 2026 season.
With Nelson sidelined for Sunday’s match against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks’ offensive line is expected to revert to its prior configuration. Grey Zabel will likely start at left guard, while Anthony Bradford will take the right guard position. This shift occurs as the team prepares for a Week 9 contest that also features Drew Lock starting at quarterback in place of Sam Darnold.
The 49ers are dealing with their own personnel issues this week. Wide receiver Mike Evans is ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a combination of rib and Achilles problems. Christian Kirk and Deebo Samuel Sr. are also listed as out, citing a knee injury and a hamstring injury respectively. The 49ers are favored by 10 points in the matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who host Seattle in the final hour of the day’s slate.
In other Week 9 news, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is also confirmed out, though the source text lists him under the 49ers section for this specific report. The NFL’s injury reports show a trend of key players missing action as the season crosses its midpoint. The Green Bay Packers will play the New England Patriots, where Rob Gronkowski is scheduled for a Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Seahawks will face the 49ers on Sunday. The team’s next scheduled event after the game is the evaluation of Nelson’s recovery progress. Macdonald indicated that the procedure was minor, suggesting a potential return to practice in the coming days. The team has not announced a specific date for Nelson’s re-evaluation beyond the standard weekly check-in.
The 49ers will also assess the status of their questionable players, including cornerback Nate Hobbs and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Both were listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest. The Raiders, visiting San Francisco, have defensive tackle Thomas Booker ruled out with an ankle injury and cornerback Darien Porter listed as questionable with a groin issue.
