Seattle Seahawks left tackle George Fant was carted off the field in Friday night’s week two preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with an apparent right leg injury. Fant’s leg was rolled up upon by teammate, center Justin Britt. Falling down and writhing in pain, Fant immediately clasped onto his right knee. Trainers swiftly attended to Fant and carted him off the field.
UPDATE: Head Coach Pete Carroll announced after the game that Fant will require ACL surgery, and will struggle to play again this season.
“He [Fant] felt very confident he would do exactly that. He’s going to take the same approach that he took to this off-season and he’s going to get back, and when he gets back he’s going to be a really good football player. He’s disappointed but he also knows this is kind of what you have to go through. It’s the first time he’s been injured in hoops or anything, so he’ll have to deal with it … he’s got lots of love and support around here.”
Seattle Seahawks Left Tackle George Fant Carted Off Field
The injury occurred with 8:49 left in the second quarter. While its exact nature is unknown, it was serious enough that Fant did not walk off on his own power, but instead was carted from the field after trainers examined him for several minutes. The injury occurred while he dropped into pass protection.
Rees Odhiambo took over at left tackle afterwards. Shortly after the switch occurred, John Boyle reported that Fant would not be returning to the game.
The Seahawks were limited on linemen in 2016, but Fant was one of their more hopeful projects. Earlier in the week, offensive line coach Tom Cable stated that Fant would start at left tackle, and new teammate Luke Joeckel would start at left guard. However, after Fant’s injury, speculation is already beginning that Joeckel could slide to the left tackle position.
Fant had one of the best off-seasons in Seattle, gaining 24 pounds in ‘offensive line muscle’ in a dramatic transition from 296 to 320 pounds. Fant’s transition was made even more remarkable considering that he played only 12 snaps of football at Western Kentucky as a tight end. Cable miraculously turned Fant into an offensive lineman in 2016.
Cable’s work resulted in Fant becoming a ten-game starter in 2016, and the scheduled player to make the transition to a full-time left tackle in 2017.
Follow Last Word on Seahawks for the latest news on George Fant and the pre-season week two matchup.
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