Like most NFL teams this time of year, the Seattle Seahawks are dealing with injuries, but some appear to be more serious than expected. Earlier this week, the Seahawks placed wide receiver Cody White on injured reserve, putting in question his status for the NFL playoffs.
Now, it appears the Seahawks will be without another playmaker for the rest of the season. On the eve of the Seahawks’ clash against the 49ers, head coach Mike Macdonald revealed that rookie receiver Tory Horton is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shin injury.
Horton has not played since November 2, 2025, and Seattle has been quiet about his status. Fans had been holding out hope that the rookie playmaker could return for the postseason. Yet, Macdonald revealed that the Seahawks are not planning to have Horton suit up during the NFL playoffs.
Here’s what you need to know about the Seahawks as the team prepares to take on the Niners.
Seahawks WR Tory Horton Is Expected to Miss the Rest of the NFL Season
It is not all bad news for the Seahawks as speedster Rashid Shaheed is expected to play at San Francisco after being in concussion protocol. As for Horton, the plan is to bring the playmaker back slowly this offseason.
“We got some clarification on Tory,” Macdonald told reporters on January 2, 2026, per Seahawks.com’s John Boyle. “The best way I can describe it is that what he has, it just takes a long time to heal. Put it this way, we’re planning on not having him, and if something happens, which we’re not counting on, and he’s able to come back, then that’s great.
“But right now, we’re planning on not having him. He just needs time and rest. It’s unfortunate, but these things happen. We’re with him, he’s doing a great job, we’re just not going to have him right now,” Macdonald added.
“He should be able to have a full offseason. Who knows how things are going to shake out, how long we go and all that, but right now we’re not planning on having him. But not a long-term concern.”
Seahawks Starting LT Charles Cross Is Expected to Return for NFL Playoffs
There is a lot on the line in San Francisco. The winner not only secures the NFC West title but the NFC’s No. 1 seed as well. This comes with a first-round bye as well as home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Seattle revealed some encouraging news when it comes to Charles Cross‘ status. The Seahawks starting left tackle will not suit up against the 49ers, but the star is expected to return for the NFL playoffs.
“We’re optimistic for next week or the week after for Charles,” Macdonald noted, per Seahawks.com. “These guys have done a great job of getting back and working, but obviously Charles isn’t going to make it this week.”
The Seahawks are hoping that Josh Jones is able to start in place of Cross, but the offensive lineman is also dealing with an injury. Jones is listed as questionable against the Niners, and Macdonald indicated his status for Week 18 remains uncertain.
“He’s doing good,” Macdonald said of Jones. “He’s progressing. …It’s questionable if he’s going to play. He’s progressing; the injury report is what it is. We’ll stick with it right now.”
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