The Seattle Seahawks put defensive end Branden Jackson on the injured reserve eight days after being briefly knocked out in a scrum.
Coach Pete Carroll said medics recommended Jackson not play this season after discovering a potentially dangerous condition with his spinal structure.
“He really came out of that episode OK, but just in testing it showed he had some sort of a physical trait that needed to be protected, so everyone was convinced that the best thing for him to do is not to play. this year, “Carroll said.” I don’t know if it’s forever, but I know it right now. He’s not hurt at the moment, but he’s susceptible. It’s similar to situations two of our other guys have had in the past, and we’re wrong. on the side of long term health and taking care of our guys. We had a good meeting with him and discussed all of this and all. “
Former Seahawks Carroll was referring to Security Chancellor Kam and defensive end Cliff Avril, both of whom suffered career-ending neck injuries in 2017. The Chancellor ended up with spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as bone spurs.
“It’s not the same as these guys, but it’s similar,” Carroll said. “Kind of similar issues, so you know how they played out.”
Jackson was injured when he hit helmets with offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi. He was on the ground for several minutes before members of the team’s medical staff attached him to a rear panel, removed the face mask from his helmet and loaded him into an ambulance.
Jackson had sensations and movements in his extremities at the time. He was taken to a local hospital as a precaution and released later that night. A source told ESPN that Jackson was able to return home from the team’s facilities that night.
The Seahawks ended their scrum early when Jackson was injured.
Jackson is back at the Seahawks facility but hasn’t practiced. He wrote in an Instagram story last Sunday: “Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I’m good, appreciate the love.”
Jackson is entering his fifth season in the NFL. He was not drafted by Texas Tech in 2016, spending his rookie season with the Raiders and the last three with Seattle. He competed for a place in the roster as one of the Seahawks’ rotating defensive volleys.
“He’s a great guy for the team,” Carroll said. “We love him on our team. He’s got such a spirit. He’s got great versatility in his game, but he’s just been such a great guy in this dressing room that he’s going to be missed. I asked him to stay too. as long as possible. he wants to and be with us all the time, and I hope he will be able to do that. “
Jackson was expected to earn $ 2.133 million unsecured on the low bid as a restricted free agent this season before the Seahawks released him before training camp and then signed him again. Jackson’s new deal is one year and $ 1,047,500, according to a source. This includes a signing bonus of $ 75,000 as the only guaranteed money and a base salary of $ 910,000. Jackson’s deal counts for $ 877,500 against the salary cap.
The team signed defensive end Pita Taumoepenu in a matching move on Sunday. Taumoepenu spent time on the Seattle practice squad last season.
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