Seahawks rookie safety Bud Clark was carted off the field Sunday at Tennessee with a right leg injury, less than four minutes into the preseason game. Per Seahawks Wire, Clark jumped over a player on the ground and appeared to have another player collide with his leg. He remained down as medical staff came out, and eventually left with his lower right leg and ankle in an air cast.
No immediate update on severity has been released. That's the part that should worry Seattle.
Clark is a 24-year-old second-round pick who had worked his way into the Seahawks' safety rotation during camp. He was expected to be part of the plan in a defensive backfield that needed cheap, young depth. An extended absence changes the calculus. The team is now looking at unproven options behind its starters, and the preseason roster cutdown looms.
For fantasy and DFS? This doesn't move the needle except in the deepest IDP leagues, and even then only as a dynasty stash already stashed. The real impact is on the Seahawks' 53-man roster and their willingness to carry a young safety who might not be ready for Week 1.
Seattle's front office has a decision to make. Either they trust the young depth they've developed and ride it out, or they hit the waiver wire for a veteran safety who can play special teams and cover in a pinch. Given how this preseason has gone and how much they invested in Clark, I'd expect them to make a move. You don't wait to see if a leg injury costs you depth at the most physical position in the secondary. Make the call now.
— Marco Wexler