Seahawks’ Abraham Lucas Returns to Action After Long Recovery: A Stellar Comeback Against Nick Bosa and the 49ers

Seahawks’ Abraham Lucas Returns to Action After Long Recovery: A Stellar Comeback Against Nick Bosa and the 49ers

 

 

Throughout the offseason and into the early part of the 2024 season, one question seemed to hang over the Seattle Seahawks: When would right tackle Abraham Lucas return to action?

 

 

 

Lucas, who had an impressive rookie season in 2022, was sidelined for much of 2023 due to a knee injury. After playing only six games last season, the former Washington State standout underwent surgery in January to repair the injury and began a lengthy, difficult recovery. The Seahawks and their fans eagerly awaited his return, and on Sunday, Lucas finally took the field again.

 

 

 

 

In his first game back after nearly a year off, Lucas joined Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob for an interview where he discussed his return. There’s usually some nerves and butterflies that come with it, Lucas admitted. That’s pretty typical for most folks, but I was prepared. As prepared as I could be over these last couple of weeks. I was confident going back out, and I was really just excited to be back out there doing the thing.

 

 

 

The Everett native played the majority of the game at right tackle, with rookie Michael Jerrell rotating in for a few plays to help ease Lucas back into action. Lucas played 42 of the team’s 60 offensive snaps—about 70%. There was a plan, and we followed it to the letter, Lucas said. “It was more of a pitch-count situation, and that’s all I’ll say about it. But we executed the plan, and it went as expected.

 

 

 

Although Lucas felt sore after his first game back, he said it was nothing out of the ordinary for someone returning from an extended injury layoff. It’s not anything out of the blue or out of the ordinary, Lucas explained. “Just continuing to move forward.

 

 

 

 

Lucas also spoke about the ongoing nature of his injury, which has never been fully disclosed. He emphasized that while it requires continued rehab, he doesn’t face any additional risk of re-injury. “I’m in a good spot with it, Lucas said. I’m continuing to get better, and yesterday’s game proved that.

 

 

 

The first game back was not without challenges, as Lucas faced off against San Francisco’s star pass rusher, Nick Bosa. Even though Bosa was dealing with a hip injury, he remains one of the best in the game. Lucas held his own, with the only blemish being a sack he allowed when running back Zach Charbonnet missed a block on Bosa.

 

 

 

Bosa’s one of the best, Lucas said. He’s an elite rusher, and I just focused on preparing and staying confident.

Pro Football Focus graded Lucas as Seattle’s second-best offensive lineman and third-best overall player in the game. He allowed just two pressures on 28 pass-blocking snaps. His performance did not go unnoticed, as head coach Mike Macdonald awarded him a game ball for his effort.

 

 

I was just grateful for how it happened, Lucas said. You play the game for respect, and you play hard. It’s nice when the head coach recognizes your grind and the process.