INJURY UPDATE: Seahawks Receive Concerning News on Rookie TE Elijah Arroyo After Dominant Win Over Falcons
Seattle, Washington – December 9, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks walked out of Atlanta with a commanding 37-9 victory — their most explosive offensive performance in weeks. But that momentum was quickly overshadowed by troubling news: rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo suffered a knee injury and is now in serious danger of missing the pivotal Week 15 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lumen Field.
Arroyo sustained the injury in the first half after a hard collision at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and never returned to action. After the game, head coach Mike MacDonald delivered the update no Seahawks fan wanted to hear: “This week is probably in jeopardy for him.”
What makes the situation worse is Seattle’s extremely thin tight end depth. With Eric Saubert already on IR due to a calf injury, the Seahawks now have only two healthy tight ends available — AJ Barner and Nick Kallerup.
Arroyo may not be the focal point of Sam Darnold’s passing attack, but his importance goes beyond stat sheets. His blocking, route-running, and ability to create space have quietly become essential pieces in Seattle’s offensive structure. Losing him forces MacDonald to adjust multiple offensive packages heading into a crucial stretch.
MacDonald expressed both disappointment and realism as he expanded on Arroyo’s situation:
“Elijah has been developing faster than any rookie we’ve had at that position, but then you run into moments that force you to confront a truth no team ever wants to face. Losing him, even for one week, means we have to shift a lot — sometimes a single missing piece can shake an entire plan.”
With Arroyo sidelined, AJ Barner — who has 386 receiving yards and four touchdowns — will shoulder a heavier load, while undrafted rookie Nick Kallerup may see a larger-than-expected role.
Fortunately for Seattle, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to shine as the offense’s primary downfield threat. His 92 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons reaffirmed his growing chemistry with Sam Darnold.
Still, the Seahawks are in a tight race to reclaim first place in the NFC West from the Rams. They’re winning, they’re explosive — but their depth is being tested at the worst possible time.
The question now: Without Arroyo, can Seattle’s offense keep rhythm when the Colts come to Lumen Field?
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