Seahawks LT Jones heading to IR

Sports Network | October 28, 2009

Renton, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora announced on Wednesday the nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones will be placed on injured reserve.

The 35-year-old Jones hasn't played in a game since November 27, 2008 at Dallas and had microfracture surgery on his left knee in December. He tried to return to the team during training camp, but the pain in his knee led to his having a procedure in August to remove scar tissue and loose particles.

"After much deliberation and evaluation and soul searching between the team, the medical staff and Walter Jones, it has been determined that the best thing to do for Walter, for this football team and for his future is to put him on injured reserve," said Mora on the team's site.

Jones, who has been the anchor of Seattle's offensive line for over a decade, has started at left tackle in at least 12 games every year since 1997.

"We're going to shut him down. We're going to let him heal up, have whatever procedures our medical staff feels is necessary and then re-evaluated early next year," Mora added.

Also on Wednesday, Mora said that middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu is in Alabama meeting with Dr. James Andrews to have his damaged left pectoral examined. Tatupu was injured during a 27-3 setback to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6.