Earlier reports that Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch was a surprise inactive today against the Rams have proven to be incorrect. It is actually defensive lineman Greg Scruggs that is out with a wrist injury. Branch made a career-high 15 starts for Seattle in 2011 and is critical to a run defense that is ranked second in the NFL and will look to contain Steven Jackson in St. Louis today.
Additionally, guard James Carpenter will be active for the first time this year while John Moffitt is inactive with a knee injury. Carpenter was once rumored to be out for the entire year after a devastating knee injury last year but has shockingly returned after missing only three games. The 2011 first round pick was a disappointment at right tackle and has moved inside to guard.
Fantasy Take: This news mostly affects Jackson, who won't catch a break by facing a depleted defensive line. Seattle is allowing just 58.7 yards per game on the ground. It's hard to say what kind of affect that Carpenter could have today or in the future for an offensive line that has struggled with pass protection and penalties at times this season.
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