Ranking the Seahawks' most irreplaceable players

Photo: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, one of the team's most...

The Seahawks seemed to have dodged a major bullet after defensive end Michael Bennett suffered a knee injury in last week's 26-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Bennett, 30, left the game in the third quarter after a low block by Falcons tackle Jake Matthews. After going to the locker room, he returned to the sideline, but didn't reenter the game.

Fears that the 2015 Pro Bowler might miss significant time with the injury were quelled after the game when Bennett declared himself fine, saying he expected to play in this Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Bennett's prospects of playing were further buoyed by his full participation in practices both Wednesday and Thursday.

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It seems Seattle narrowly avoided losing one of its most important defensive players -- a player who also happens to be one of the most valuable on the roster. That got us thinking about where Bennett ranks among the most irreplaceable players on the Seahawks. To see what we came up with, check out the gallery below.

10. DE Cliff Avril What makes him irreplaceable? The 30-year-old Avril is Seattle's best pure pass rusher, tallying 26 sacks since joining the team as rotational end ahead of the 2013 season. When he gets to the quarterback, bad things happen to opposing offenses, as evidenced by his 11 forced fumbles in three-plus years in Seattle. He even causes problems when he doesn't get to the quarterback, like in 2015 when he ranked seventh in the NFL with 31 quarterback hurries. less 10. DE Cliff Avril What makes him irreplaceable? The 30-year-old Avril is Seattle's best pure pass rusher, tallying 26 sacks since joining the team as rotational end ahead of the 2013 season. When he gets to ... more Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Ranking the Seahawks' most irreplaceable players 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

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