The Seahawks found starters at both tackle spots during the 2022 draft. No. 9 pick Charles Cross is in place as the team’s blindside blocker of the present and future, while third-rounder Abraham Lucas has impressed when on the field at right tackle. 
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The latter was limited to only six games last season, however, after he suffered a knee injury in Week 1. That ailment required surgery, and then-head coach Pete Carroll referred to the issue as a “chronic” one. That has led to concerns about Lucas’ long-term health status, but ESPN’s Brady Henderson reports the injury is not viewed by the Seahawks as being as much of an issue as initially feared.
Despite that encouraging update, Henderson adds Lucas’ recovery has taken longer than hoped at this point. The 25-year-old started 16 games as a rookie, drawing impressive PFF grades in both pass protection and run blocking. His evaluation was worse last season, one in which he received an overall grade of just 51.3. As a whole, the Seahawks struggled up front in 2023, something which played a role in quarterback Geno Smith‘s regression relative to the year prior. A healthy Lucas would no doubt help the unit considerably this year.
“It’s hard to tell,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said when speaking about Lucas’ recovery process (via Henderson). “It’s hard to tell. We’re shooting for camp right now. Abe’s getting after it in rehab, so I’m proud of his effort that he’s putting in.”
The Washington State alum’s status will be worth watching through the summer with a training camp return being targeted. In the meantime, practices will have George Fant in place as a first-teamer at the right tackle spot. The veteran was brought back this offseason to serve as Seattle’s swing tackle, and he has 73 starts to his name. Fant last played for the Seahawks in 2019, and the team intends for him to not be counted on as a frequent contributor at either tackle position in 2024. Whether or not that winds up being the case will depend on Lucas’ recovery, a process which is ongoing and does not have much clarity at this point.