With a 4-4 record, the Seattle Seahawks are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West. As they continue to make a push for the playoffs and potentially a division title, the Seahawks would certainly benefit from getting back lead receiver DK Metcalf.

The wideout has already missed one game for Seattle after he sprained his MCL in the team’s Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He hasn’t participated in practice since suffering the injury, but some believed there was a chance he could return to action in Week 9 before the Seahawks’ Week 10 bye.

Here are the latest Metcalf injury updates ahead of the Seahawks’ Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

When will DK Metcalf return?

Metcalf will not return to the Seahawks lineup until Week 11 at the earliest. The Seahawks have declared him out for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams after failing to participate at any of the team’s practices.

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Initially, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald told reporters he was ‘optimistic’ that Metcalf would return to practice Thursday. Instead, Metcalf remained sidelined, and Macdonald conceded before Friday’s practice in a radio appearance on KIRO 97.3 that he wasn’t sure whether Metcalf would play in Week 9.

‘Unfortunately it’s still a little bit cloudy on what’s going on on that front,’ Macdonald said of Metcalf’s injury. ‘I know he’s trying like heck to get out there as soon as he can, but we’re still taking it day by day.’

The next time Metcalf can suit up for Seattle would be in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks are among the NFL teams on bye in Week 10.

When was DK Metcalf’s injury?

Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain near the end of the third quarter during the Seahawks’ Week 7 game against the Falcons. He took a hit from Atlanta safety Justin Simmons while trying to make a catch on the sideline and got attention from Seattle’s medical personnel after walking off of the field under his own power.

Metcalf tested out his knee by running on the sideline after the hit, but he ultimately had to be carted to the locker room halfway through the fourth quarter. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Oct. 21 that the receiver was considered ‘week to week’ with the knee injury.

According to Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, MCL injuries can be treated without requiring surgery. The recovery process includes icing the affected knee, rest and anti-inflammatory medications.

DK Metcalf stats

Through seven games this season, here’s where Metcalf’s stats stand:

Targets: 61
Catches: 35
Yards: 568
TDs: 3
Yards per reception: 16.2

The Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver has three 100-yard games so far this season, which he had back-to-back-to-back between Weeks 2 and 4. He finished one yard shy of a fourth such game against Atlanta in Week 7.

Seahawks WR depth chart

Here’s how Seattle’s wide receivers room stacks up without Metcalf:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Tyler Lockett
Jake Bobo
Dareke Young
Laviska Shenault

USA TODAY Sports’ Jacob Camenker contributed to this report.