The Seattle Seahawks were trending in the right direction when it came to injuries, but the franchise may be dealing with a setback days before the team squares off against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL playoffs. Seattle enjoyed a bye week during the wild card round allowing some of the team’s key players to get healthy.
Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was a full participant in practice to start the week. Now, it appears Cross is dealing with a new knee injury, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Cross was a limited participant during practice on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
The severity of Cross’ new injury remains unclear. Prior to the latest injury news, Cross appeared to be trending towards playing against the 49ers.
“The Seahawks list LT Charles Cross as limited today with a new knee injury,” Henderson detailed in a January 15, message on X. “They’ve been expecting him to return for their playoff game Saturday after he missed three games with a hamstring injury.
“OLB DeMarcus Lawrence was a full go today. CB Riq Woolen was again limited.”
Here’s a look at the latest Seahawks news ahead of the team’s playoff showdown against the 49ers.
49ers vs. Seahawks: DeMarcus Lawrence, Charles Cross Have Been Listed on Injury Report
It is a good sign that Cross was at least a limited participant despite the injury. Cross had previously been sidelined with a hamstring injury and has not played since December 14. If Cross does take the field, it will have been more than one month since the star’s last game.
It is not all bad news in Seattle as DeMarcus Lawrence was a full participant after earlier this week being listed on the injury report with an Achilles issue. Lawrence appears to be ramping up ahead of the Niners game which is good news for the Seahawks and not so good news for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The Seahawks Signed Charles Cross to a Massive $104 Million Contract Extension
Seattle is weeks removed from signing Cross to a rare in-season contract extension. Cross inked a historic deal as the largest contract the Seahawks have signed for a non-quarterback.
The left tackle landed a four-year, $104 million contract that is slated to go through the 2030 season.
Will Seahawks LT Charles Cross Play vs. 49ers?
Cross’ status for Saturday’s game against the 49ers is worth monitoring. Seattle previously indicated that Cross is expected to play, but this new injury puts these plans in danger. It would take a lot for Cross not to suit up in a playoff game.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald previously explained why it was important to sign Cross to a long-term deal.
“You talk about a cornerstone of your program, Charles is one of those guys,” Macdonald told Seattle Sports’ “Brock and Salk” during a January 5, interview. “The way this guy works every day and his attitude is rare, very rare.
“When he breaks the huddle and he takes the line, it’s like, that’s what we want from our offense every single time, and he does it in every single walk-through. And trust me, we walk-through a ton,” Macdonald added.
“He takes the line every time with the same cadence, same mentality. He’s sweating, like the guy’s just sweating in a walk-through every time, just working his tail off.”
Seahawks Dealt Unfortunate News on $104 Million Star Days Before 49ers Game