Seahawks lose top defender Clemons to injury

SEATTLE, Washington (AFP) –

Chris Clemons of the Seattle Seahawks receives attention after being injured during their game against the Washington Redskins on January 6, 2013. Seattle will have to continue their NFL post-season campaign without Clemons, who tore a knee ligament in the game.

Seattle will have to continue their NFL post-season campaign without top pass rusher Chris Clemons, who tore a knee ligament in the Seahawks’ first-round win over the Washington Redskins.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Monday that the defensive end tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee a day earlier in Washington.

“He will have to have surgery,” Carroll said. “So we’ll miss him, which is a big loss for us in a lot of ways.

“Chris has been a great football player. He’s been just a symbol of consistency for the years we’ve had him. He’s been a great leader for us, too, and just a tough dude.”

Clemons, 31, recorded a team-best 11 1/2 sacks this season and his absence will be felt when the Seahawks travel to Atlanta to face the National Conference top seeds Atlanta on Sunday in the second round of the playoffs.

Clemons started all 16 regular-season games for the Seahawks in 2012. Along with his sacks he notched 40 tackles and forced three fumbles this season.

First-round draft selection Bruce Irvin is expected to start in place of Clemons. Irvin led all NFL rookies with eight sacks during the regular season.