RENTON, Wash. -- In a significant setback for the Seattle Seahawks, outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is set to be placed on injured reserve due to a thigh injury. This was confirmed by a source to ESPN on Tuesday, following prior reports.

Nwosu, widely regarded as the Seahawks' top edge defender, will now be sidelined for at least the next four games. This puts his potential return in the spotlight, as he could be back in action for a crucial rematch against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11, right after Seattle's bye week. Fans are eagerly anticipating this matchup, considering the strong rivalry and Seattle's determination to break a five-game losing streak against San Francisco.

Head Coach Mike Macdonald had already hinted on Monday that Nwosu wouldn’t be available for Thursday night's showdown against the 49ers. He stated, “We'll see here in the next few days if it's going to be longer than that,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Nwosu’s recovery.

This news adds to a growing list of injury concerns for the Seahawks. Nwosu is a seventh-year veteran who recently faced a tough recovery journey; he missed the last 11 games of the previous season due to a torn pectoral muscle and had already sat out the first four games of this season because of a sprained MCL sustained during a preseason game. His highly anticipated 2024 debut last Sunday was cut short after only 20 snaps during a disappointing loss to the New York Giants.

Compounding the Seahawks' woes, rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is also likely out for the upcoming game with a hamstring injury, adding more pressure on the defense. Coach Macdonald noted that Murphy might need another week to recover.

Moreover, Seattle could be without key defensive players, such as cornerback Riq Woolen (ankle) and outside linebackers Derick Hall (foot) and Boye Mafe (knee). Hall and Woolen were marked as non-participants during practice on Monday and Tuesday, raising further concerns about their availability. However, Mafe’s status has improved, transitioning from a limited participant to fully engaged in practice, although Coach Macdonald indicated that his readiness for the game would be a last-minute decision.

Fans are left wondering how the Seahawks will adapt without Nwosu and potentially other starters as they gear up for a pivotal game against a fierce rival. With the stakes high, the team's resilience will be tested as they strive to regain their footing in the season.