The Seattle Seahawks defense will get a huge boost on Sunday with the return of free safety Quandre Diggs, who was left off Friday’s injury report after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
“He had a good week,” coach Pete Carroll said about Diggs on Friday. “He was really able to go right back in on Wednesday and take the reps and finished up looking just like he was fine. It’s really a good deal, a real plus for us. He’s had a real positive impact on us and hopefully he can do that again.”
Diggs was a revelation for the Seahawks after joining the team in a trade with Detroit. In five games, Diggs recorded three interceptions, one forced fumble and 21 combined tackles – making an immediate impact on the team’s struggling secondary.
Now, Diggs will return in time for his first career playoff experience, an opportunity he is not taking lightly – especially after he missed his first chance in Detroit due to injuries.
“It’s dope,” Diggs said. “When I made it my second year, I was hurt. I had torn my pec when Detroit came up to play Seattle, so I was hurt. Thinking I’m a second-year guy and we made the playoffs, it’s going to be consistent. Then, you got to wait until your fifth year to make them again. It’s definitely a blessing. Definitely excited. It will be a fun atmosphere.”
While Diggs is no doubt juiced, to use a Carroll term, about getting a chance to play in the playoffs, his coach is making sure to keep his star safety grounded and focused on the task at hand, instead of getting lost in the moment.
“Here’s a guy that’s dreamed of being in the playoffs and now he gets a chance,” Carroll continued. “That can change you, and the whole point is to not let the event change you so that you can play like you’re capable. That’s been the message throughout the week.”
Diggs’ return will be crucial for a Seattle team that needs to find a way to slow down Carson Wentz and the Eagles, who have won four straight and are looking to make another run at the Super Bowl this year.
