There is one positive bit of injury news for the Seattle Seahawks after a brutal Week 16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

After sitting out Sunday’s loss, star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play against the 49ers Sunday, according to Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

Pete Carroll is banking on Jadeveon Clowney playing against the #49ers in Week 17:



"I don't think there's any question he's going to play." — Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) December 23, 2019

Clowney is one of Seattle’s most important defensive players, having been acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans on Sept. 1.

He’s battling a core muscle injury Clowney suffered at Levi’s Stadium during the first matchup between the division rivals this season in Week 10.

The former No. 1 overall pick has three sacks and four forced fumbles in 12 games with Seattle this season.

He has missed the past two games.

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Clowney will be critical to slowing down what has been a potent rushing attack for the 49ers this season, as San Francisco ranks second in the NFL in rushing offense.