Tight end Zach Miller's first season with the Seattle Seahawks was the least productive of his five-year career. Signed to a five-year, $34 million contract after the lockout, the 2010 Pro Bowler had just 25 receptions for 233 yards and zero touchdowns as he was frequently asked to stay in and block.
An improved offensive line is expected to get Miller more involved in the passing game, but his 2012 preseason is off to a bad start as the veteran exited last night's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter with a concussion, the Associated Press reports.
Miller appeared to bang his head off the CenturyLink Field turf while hauling in a 14-yard pass from quarterback Matt Flynn and was escorted to the locker room.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the team does not believe the concussion is "severe", but all concussions are a league-wide concern and the club has additional reasons to be cautious with Miller. As ESPN's Mike Sando points out, Miller had two concussions during the 2009 season and missed one game in 2010 after he his head area was targeted by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, who was fined $20,000 for the hit.
The Seahawks improved their depth at the position with the acquisition of Kellen Winslow, but his knees limit his ability to practice and could limit his role in the offense. Anthony McCoy is a decent blocker, but his inconsistent hands were on display when he dropped a third-down pass that hit him right on the numbers. Miller is the team's most complete tight end and the team will need to be cautious in bringing him back from his latest concussion.
