Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead is likely to begin the 2017 campaign on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
A 15-game starter a season ago, Shead played more than 1,000 defensive snaps and graded as the league’s No. 37 corner, per Pro Football Focus. Originally non-tendered as a restricted free agent, Shead re-signed with Seattle on a one-year, $1.5MM deal that includes $1MM guaranteed. If he does hit the PUP list, the 28-year-old Shead will be forced to miss the first six games of the year.
Although John Boyle of Seahawks.com suggests the club’s second cornerback job is “up for grabs,” Condotta indicates the most likely scenario involves Jeremy Lane taking over opposite Richard Sherman. In sub packages, Lane would probably slide into the slot, allowing veteran Neiko Thorpe or rookie Shaquill Griffin to play outside.
The news that Shead may not be ready for the season opener doesn’t come as a shock to the Seahawks, as head coach Pete Carroll said in March he’d be “really surprised” if Shead was able to suit up for Week 1.