Penticton Herald

Wilson, Seahawks impressive in preseason win over Vikings

Fant’s knee injury, Bennett’s protest overshadow victory

- By The Associated Press

SEATTLE — Russell Wilson looked just fine throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, and the Seattle Seahawks suffered a significan­t injury loss to left tackle George Fant in their 20-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.

Wilson completed 13-of-18 passes in picking apart a Vikings secondary that played without starting cornerback Trey Waynes and safety Andrew Sedenjo. Wilson hit Kasen Williams on a one-yard touchdown pass and found Mike Davis on a 22-yard catch-and-run TD late in the first half.

But the Seahawks may have lost Fant for an extended period to what appeared to be a significan­t right knee injury, throwing the offensive line into flux with two weeks remaining in the preseason.

Fant was injured midway through the second quarter when he was rolled into by teammate Justin Britt and fell to the turf in pain. The training staff attended to Fant on the field and placed an air splint around his lower right leg before he was taken away.

The team announced Fant had a knee injury and that may significan­tly change Seattle’s plans for the offensive line.

Fant took over at left tackle midway through last season and spent the off-season reshaping his body to be stronger going into this season.

Earlier this week, offensive line coach Tom Cable said Seattle was set on the left side of the offensive line with Fant at tackle and Luke Joeckel at guard.

Fant’s injury overshadow­ed what was an otherwise solid performanc­e by the Seahawks. Williams continued to make a bid for a roster spot with an acrobatic 27-yard catch, followed by his one-yard TD on Seattle’s opening drive. He nearly had a second TD but couldn’t haul in a deep pass from Wilson near the goal line in the second quarter.

Minnesota’s Sam Bradford was 7 of 11 for 95 yards, leading three drives for the Vikings before calling it a night. Taylor Heinicke threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Bucky Hodges in the fourth quarter.

BENNETT SITS: Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat during the national anthem for the second straight game of the preseason.

Bennett was alone sitting on the Seahawks’ bench during the “The StarSpangl­ed Banner.” But teammates showed support for Bennett with centre Justin Britt standing alongside with his hand on Bennett’s shoulder. Defensive back Jeremy Lane also stood next to Bennett.

KICKER REVENGE: Walsh took great joy in having success against his former team that released him last season. Walsh made a pair of 52-yard field goals in the second half and made gestures toward the Minnesota sideline after each kick. Walsh pointed at the sideline after his first make and walked toward the bench and appeared to say something after the second.

Walsh nearly had three made kicks of beyond 50 yards but a 53-yard attempt in the first half hit the crossbar.

START COOKIN’: Vikings’ rookie Dalvin Cook ran well in the first half against most of Seattle’s starting defence. With the Vikings bringing back Latavius Murray slowly from ankle surgery in March, Cook had seven carries for 40 yards in the first half, including a 15-yarder. Cook also had one reception for 10 yards.

KICKIN’ IT: Both of Minnesota’s kickers converted their opportunit­ies in the first half. Marshall Koehn hit from 29 yards in the first quarter and Kai Forbath was good from 51 yards just before halftime. That was the only opportunit­ies for either kicker as the Vikings had only two drives inside the Seattle 40.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: Davis’ touchdown was his first since signing with the Seahawks in the off-season and he had a unique celebratio­n. Davis ran into the end zone then laid down using the ball as a pillow as his teammates joined him to celebrate. It was the most extensive of any of the TD celebratio­ns.

 ?? The Associated Press ?? Seattle Seahawks quarterbac­k Russell Wilson scrambles and looks for a receiver during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings in NFL preseason action on Friday night in Seattle.
The Associated Press Seattle Seahawks quarterbac­k Russell Wilson scrambles and looks for a receiver during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings in NFL preseason action on Friday night in Seattle.
 ?? The Associated Press ?? Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt (68) and cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) stand near defensive end Michael Bennett (72) as Bennett sits on the bench during the national anthem before Friday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Associated Press Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt (68) and cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) stand near defensive end Michael Bennett (72) as Bennett sits on the bench during the national anthem before Friday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.

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