Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly suffered a non-contact Achilles injury Sunday during the team’s 32-28 road victory over the Cleveland Browns. The injury is said to be “serious” and is expected to end the second-year tight end’s 2019 season.
This is a devastating blow to Seattle’s offense as it not only takes away a key contributor and one of Russell Wilson’s favorite targets, but it leaves the Seahawks dangerously thin at tight end. Besides Ed Dickson, who is on the injured reserve and out for at least two more games, Seattle has Luke Willson and Jacob Hollister. Willson is a fan favorite but is nowhere near as productive as Dissly, and Hollister is largely unproven.
Through five games, Dissly recorded 23 receptions for 262 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Despite the Seahawks having a vast array of offensive weapons at their other skill positions, it will be difficult to replace that kind of production.
This is especially troubling considering Seattle’s defense has been leaky throughout the season and a major factor in games being so close. The Seahawks are relying on their offense more this year than in any season in recent memory.
Despite the concerns at the tight end position, the outcome of the Seahawks’ season is not set in stone. After all, they are 5-1 and still seem capable of gaining more wins down the stretch. Last year, Dissly suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury in Week 4 and Seattle proceeded to finish 10-6 and claim a Wild Card spot. This shows the team is at least capable of soldiering on without Dissly.
Even in a packed NFC, the Seahawks could emerge as the cream of the crop by the end of the season, even without their star tight end. However, Dissly will still be missed for the rest of this season by fans and teammates alike.
