SEATTLE -- Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, in his third game back from knee surgery, was removed from Thursday night's game against the Rams in the fourth quarter because of a neck injury, coach Pete Carroll told reporters. He did not return in the Seahawks' 24-3 victory.
On Friday, Carroll added that Bennett "felt good" when he woke up and was at the facility.
The injury occurred during a wild two-play sequence by Bennett. He recorded a vicious sack of Jared Goff, which appeared to end a Rams drive. But Bennett was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after three vigorous pumps during his celebration were deemed a little too vigorous.
Bennett was fired up to make amends the next play. He hip-tossed tight end Lance Kendricks aside like a rag doll, then dropped Todd Gurley for a 2-yard loss. Bennett appeared to take a shoulder to the helmet during an intense collision with Gurley. Bennett was helped off the field by medical personnel.
In addition to Bennett, punter Jon Ryan suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. "He's pretty loopy," Carroll said after the game.
The Seahawks have built one of the greatest team defenses in NFL history over the last five years, with Bennett perhaps being the key piece to it all over the last few seasons. Carroll said Bennett felt fine after the game.
