The Seattle Seahawks have announced that tight end John Carlson underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday morning, according to Eric Williams. Carlson will miss the 2011 NFL season as a result of the injury and surgery.
The Seahawks envisioned using Carlson alongside tight end Zach Miller, acquired from the Oakland Raiders, this season. Miller likely would have gotten more snaps but the team planned on using their three-year tight end in several sets as a way to mix up defenses.
Unfortunately, Carlson suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder during training camp and has had to forfeit his 2011 season. He had his worst statistical season last year, catching only 31 receptions (down from 51 and 55 passes the two years prior) for 318 yards and one touchdown. He had surpassed both the 500-yard mark and the five-touchdown mark in each of his first two seasons with the team before failing to do so in 2010.
Perhaps his struggles last season were tied to the introduction of new head coach Pete Carroll and a changing offense, but regardless of the source Carlson was set to be a significant contributor for the 2011 Seahawks. Now, he will try to nurse his injury and return in 2012 while Miller takes over tight end duties in Seattle.