Following the departure of Russell Wilson this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks needed to find a new starting quarterback. Veteran Geno Smith appeared to be the frontrunner to win the job, but Drew Lock was reportedly taking first-team reps with the team before a sudden COVID-19 diagnosis sidelined him from practice and the team’s most recent preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Lock is eligible to return to the team for Seattle’s final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday if he’s well enough. But according to a recent update from head coach Pete Carroll, that might not be possible given Lock’s current condition.
“He’s really sick,” Carroll told reporters after the 27-11 loss to the Bears, according to Pro Football Talk. “He was sick. Well, that was of I think it was this morning. It hit him pretty hard.”
Despite Lock’s current condition, Carroll has not ruled out Lock playing or even starting Sunday’s game.
“I postponed the thought of that,” Carroll said. “And we had a long week here, we’ll figure it out. I don’t know exactly how to do that yet, ’cause I don’t have to. So, I’ll let you know. I might let you know. I’m not very good at letting you guys know that stuff.”
Before the COVID diagnosis, Lock appeared to be making a push to earn the starting job. He’ll likely need to return to practice soon if he’s going to hold off Smith.
