Loss of Bobby Wagner hurts Seattle Seahawks

August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting middle linebacker Bobby Wagner was inactive for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans after suffering a high ankle sprain two weeks ago.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll had said it was unlikely Wagner would make it back for tonight’s game vs the Arizona Cardinals, and as it turns out, he is inactive.

It’s a tough loss for the Hawks after Wagner took over the MLB spot last year as a rookie, and ended up registering 140 combined tackles and picking off three passes for arguably the best defense in the NFL.

Prior to his injury, he was leading the team in tackles (34), and his team was undefeated. After he went out of the game vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, the Hawks went on to blow a double-digit lead and lose their only game of the year. His absence may not be as evident tonight against an Arizona run game that ranks near the bottom of the league, but he needs to return soon if Seattle wants to remain atop the NFC West.

The Seahawks are likely to use K.J. Wright at middle linebacker in Wagner’s place.