Doug Baldwin is slated to undergo his third surgery this off-season, so where does this now leave him for next season?
The 30-year-old has been a huge part of the Seattle Seahawks passing game over his eight seasons with the team. Baldwin has seemed to be tied at the hip with his quarterback Russell Wilson ever since the 2014 season. Since that season, Baldwin and Wilson sit fourth in the rankings for the highest passer rating among quarterback and receiver duos.
That reason is a big part as to why these injuries are such a concern for Baldwin and the Seahawks. He played through multiple injuries throughout last season, and that resulted in career-lows as a starter in games played (13), receptions (50), receiving yards (618), and receiving yards per game (47.5).
Injuries Starting to Pile Up for Doug Baldwin
Baldwin is scheduled to undergo sports hernia surgery in April. So with him already having surgeries on his shoulder and knee earlier this off-season, this will now mark the third surgery that he has undergone this offseason.
The Florida native has yet to be able to escape these nagging injuries. In an interview with the Seattle Times, Pete Carroll stated that he is uncertain about whether this will even be the final surgery that Baldwin undergoes this offseason.
While he didn’t confirm what other injuries Baldwin is dealing with, he did say that the two-time Pro Bowler was still working some stuff out. So that could mean there is another surgery coming for Baldwin after the one in April.
No Timetable for Return
Carroll also stated that there’s no timetable for Baldwin’s return. This could mean the possibility of Baldwin missing the start of next season. The usual recovery time for sports hernia surgery is typically six to twelve weeks.
However, that recovery time could be different with Baldwin if he’s also dealing with a separate injury as well. One thing is for sure, the Seahawks believe Baldwin can still be a big part of their offense going into next season, as they have yet to acquire a receiver this off-season.
