Seahawks TE Zach Miller had ankle surgery during bye week

Zach Miller missed two days of practice in the week leading up to the Seahawks’ game against Denver because of an ankle injury, but the tight end still played and was on the field for 91 percent of Seattle’s offensive snaps. It turns out all was not well with Miller’s ankle, however.

Despite playing a big role in Seattle’s win over the Broncos, Miller had surgery on his ankle last week, a team spokesman confirmed. According to FoxSports, which first reported the news, the veteran tight end is expected to be out “an extended period of time.” The team did not provide a timetable when announcing the surgery, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll will talk to the media Monday afternoon.

The Seahawks have already used the one-time short-term injured reserve designation on cornerback Jeremy Lane, so the only option with Miller is to either carry him on the 53-man roster or place him on injured reserve, ending his season. Considering how vital Miller is, particularly in the blocking game, it seems more likely the Seahawks keep him on the roster assuming he can make it back at some point this season.

The Seahawks currently have two other tight ends on their roster, Luke Willson and Cooper Helfet, though they could now be in the market for a third, and more specifically one who can help as a blocker.

Miller, who came to Seattle in 2011 as one of their top free agent signings along with receiver Sidney Rice, agreed to a restructured two-year contract this offseason to avoid being released. He is due $900,000 in base salary this season and $1.05 million next year.

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