The Seattle Seahawks are getting a big piece back in the middle of their defense.
Coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Friday that linebacker Bobby Wagner will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
The middle linebacker has missed the past five games while dealing with a toe injury.
Wagner's return can't be understated. Sans the linebacker the Seahawks defense has struggled on the second level. Wagner averaged 10 tackles a game in his five contests this season.
Seattle's defense has suffered a bevy of injuries. With Brandon Mebaneout for the season, Jamaal Charlesgashed the Seahawks up the gut last week. Odds are that wouldn't have happened to such an extent with Wagner patrolling the middle.
It's uncertain how many snaps Carroll will ride his linebacker in the first game back, but Wagner should play a big role stopping Andre Ellington in both the run and passing game in a pivotal match for the Seahawks' playoff hopes.
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