Seattle Seahawks starting right tackle Breno Giacomini underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, according to Seahawks.com.
Giacomini, who started all 16 regular-season games at right tackle, played through the injury over the final few weeks of the regular season. Giacomini (6-foot-7, 318 pounds) broke into the Seahawks’ starting lineup in 2011 after James Carpenter suffered a season-ending knee injury. Giacomini started the final seven games of the 2011 season.
The Seahawks’ right side of the line consistently opened holes for Marshawn Lynch throughout the 2012 season. Seattle ranked fifth in the NFL on runs toward the right end (7.15 yards per carry) and sixth on runs behind the right tackle (4.86 ypc), according to NFLGSIS.com. In terms of pass blocking, Giacomini and his teammates were less successful. The Seahawks ranked 23rd in sacks allowed per pass attempt in 2012.
When Giacomini returns, he will look to commit fewer infractions. He led the Seahawks with 12 penalties in 2012. Seattle ranked 26th in false starts (25) and 19th in offensive holding penalties (26), according to NFLGSIS.com.
The surgery was performed by Seahawks team physician Dr. Edward Khalfayan at the Seattle Surgery Center. Giacomini is expected to recover from the procedure in four to six weeks.
For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our RSS Feed, watch Pro Football 360 daily at 3 p.m. ET and NFL newsletter. You can also follow Matt Rybaltowski @mattrybaltowski.
