The Seattle Seahawks are almost certainly going to be without veteran starting center Justin Britt for the remainder of the 2019 campaign after he suffered what coach Pete Carroll believes is a torn ACL on Sunday.

The Seahawks have one day before the October 29 trade deadline, making a trade for a starting-caliber center difficult, to say the least.

Instead, Seattle will likely allow veteran backup Joey Hunt – who filled in for Britt against Atlanta – to handle that responsibility for the rest of the season.

If that is the case, Carroll has full confidence in Hunt’s ability to lead this offensive line, which has already suffered multiple injuries this season.

“He has always been there, he’s always been the smartest guy in the group, he’s got a great ability to control what’s going on up there so you don’t lose a trick in that regard,” Carroll said on 710 ESPN Monday morning. “He’s a totally different package, he’s much smaller than Britt is [but] he’s still around 300 pounds. He’s very, very stout, strong player. Plays with great leverage, he’s got great hands.”

Hunt has been with the Seahawks since 2016, when the team made him a sixth-round pick out of Texas Christian University.

He has primarily served as Seattle’s backup center, although he’s seen time at guard and even at the tight end/sixth lineman spot that is usually occupied by George Fant.

Versatility and high football IQ are his primary strong points, but Carroll also said Hunt has been the team’s best pass protector during team drills – a sign he could even be an improvement for a team struggling in pass protection this season.

“Really good pass protector,” Carroll continued. “He is by far the winningest pass pro guy in our drills forever, he always has been. So, we’re fortunate to have Joey coming off the bench. Joey has been there the whole time. He has been such a great team member, he’s always looked for his opportunities when he’s had them, he’s jumped in. But this is a big deal for him. Really excited for him to take over this spot.”

Hunt’s pass protection has not been nearly as stout in the NFL as it has in practice, indicated by the four pressures he allowed on Sunday, but perhaps as he gets more reps in game situations he will demonstrate a knack for protecting Russell Wilson down the stretch.

The Seahawks will need him to show that knack soon, with upcoming games against strong defensive fronts in Tampa Bay and San Francisco.