Jermaine Kearse Injury: Updates on Seahawks Star's Hamstring and Return

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse was forced to leave the team's Week 16 affair against the Arizona Cardinals with a first-degree hamstring pull. He was ruled out for Week 17 but will be available for the playoffs. He is officially listed as probably for Saturday's game. 

Continue for updates.

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Kearse Probable vs. Panthers

Friday, Jan. 9

The Seahawks' official Twitter feed reported Kearse's official status for Saturday's game:

On Tuesday, the Seahawks reported Pete Carroll said Kearse would play:

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Carroll Expects Kearse to Be Ready for Playoffs

Monday, Dec. 29

Head coach Pete Carroll believes Kearse "should be fine by their next game," according to Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk.

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Kearse Ruled Out for Week 17

Friday, Dec. 26 

The Seahawks provided the latest on Kearse:

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Kearse Receives Diagnosis

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN has the latest on Kearse's status:

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Kearse Leaves Game vs. Cardinals With Hamstring Injury

Sunday, Dec. 22

In the second quarter the Seahawks confirmed Kearse would not return:

Russell Wilson likes to spread the ball around on offense. The passing game doesn't have a clear pecking order like many other teams. Different players become the focal point on a weekly basis based on matchups, and it's been an effective approach.

In turn, Kearse is well on his way to having his best season to date despite having numbers that won't jump off the page. It's very difficult to post monster numbers as part of the Seahawks' aerial attack, but he's done a good job of filling his role.   

That main function is using his size and power to make key grabs in traffic. It's a task previously handled by Sidney Rice. So while he might not make eight catches a game, the ones he does make are usually crucial to keep drives alive.

It's also an important season on a personal level for Kearse. He's slated to become a restricted free agent at season's end.

Tim Booth of The Associated Press provided comments from him during camp about what he was hoping to prove in 2014.

"I think it's just trying to set myself up for bigger things. I'm just trying to be the best I can," Kearse said. "A lot of people try and label me as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. I'm trying to take it further than that."

Now that effort may be on hold for a while.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

If Kearse does end up missing action, the Seahawks will simply use their deep rotation of receivers to pick up the slack. From that overall perspective, no single player will probably see a significant uptick in snaps or targets.

But in those key situations, Ricardo Lockette is the best bet to step up. He's another receiver with the size to make his presence felt on third down and in the red zone. As Kearse has shown, it's a vital role for the reigning champions.