Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Details CB Devon Witherspoon's 'Legit' Injury

Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon was forced to sit out for their thrilling Week 15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles due to a hip injury.

As the Seattle Seahawks continue to bask in the glow of their 20-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at Lumen Field, one of the team’s most electrifying rookies is hoping to make his return to the gridiron as soon as possible. 

Despite his desire to play through a hip injury, Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon was inactive for the team’s thrilling Week 15 win. However, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll remains optimistic that the team’s first-round (No. 5 overall) selection in April’s draft will soon be back in their defensive backfield. 

Devon Witherspoon / © Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

“He's got a legit issue with his hip,” Carroll told reporters following Monday night’s game. “It's not a damaged hip. It's just a hip pointer. But it's really deep and really painful. He's been really uncomfortable with it. I can't imagine that he won't be able to make it back. That's me … wishful thinking. We need him back out there.”

Witherspoon sustained the injury midway through the first quarter of Seattle’s Week 14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and did not return to the game. In 12 games played, the Illinois product has logged 65 total tackles, 16 passes-defensed, three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception returned for a touchdown. For his efforts, Witherspoon was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for October. 

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Accordingly, Witherspoon’s presence in Seattle’s secondary will be welcomed with open arms. Still, Carroll was careful to praise the efforts of reserve corner Artie Burns, who gallantly stepped in for the Seahawks’ rookie against Philadelphia. 

“I thought Artie did a great job playing that spot tonight. He was all over it. He did a bunch of stuff disguising, rushing, blitzed. I was really fired up with the game he played.”

Burns, a seven-year NFL veteran, compiled four tackles and one pass breakup while manning Witherspoon’s typical spot along the perimeter.