Avril (neck) was released by the Seahawks with a failed physical designation Friday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avril sustained a severe neck injury last October and his ability to continue his playing career is very much in question, making Seattle's decision to part ways not surprising. A key piece of a Seahawks unit that led the NFL in scoring defense from 2013 to 2015, Avril racked up 130 tackles and 34.5 sacks during his five seasons with the team. He joins Richard Sherman (49ers) and Michael Bennett (Eagles) as the Seahawks' third big-name player to surrender his roster spot this offseason.

Avril (neck) plans to reassess his football future in spring, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avril suffered a devastating neck injury in October and has yet to proclaim whether or not football will be in his future. The defensive end plans to wait until spring, when he will be about six months removed from surgery, to take a look at his future. Avril is due $6.5 million in 2018, which will play a factor in the Seahawks decision to retain him, if he is medically cleared to play.

Avril (neck) told Steve Wyche of NFL Network on Monday that he plans to continue his playing career following November disc surgery. "I believe so," Avril said, when asked if he thinks he'll play football again. "Right now it's all about recovery for me. I had surgery. It's a long process, it's a long journey. When I get to the end of that, then I'll figure out what's next."

EDGE Analysis

Avril required the season-ending procedure after he took a heel to the chin from the Colts' Jacoby Brissett in Week 4, resulting in the defensive end briefly losing feeling in his arms. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged that Avril's quality of life could be affected if he continued playing through the neck injury, but it appears the veteran is willing to accept the risk. Avril, who tallied a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2016, is due a base salary of $7 million in 2018, but the Seahawks may want to ensure he's fully healthy before keeping him on the roster heading into next season.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Avril would undergo surgery this week to address a disc issue in his neck and spine, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avril landed on injured reserve in October after sustaining the neck issue, which briefly caused him to lose feeling in his arms and hands. Given the severity of Avril's situation and the long-term complications spinal injuries can cause, it's possible the 31-year-old could opt for retirement in the offseason. The 10-year veteran, who recorded a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2016, has one year and $7 million remaining on the four-year extension he inked in 2014.

Avril (neck) was placed on injured reserve by the Seahawks on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

This move has been in the works for awhile and at this point Avril is apparently seriously considering retirement. The 31-year-old could potentially be designated to return from IR after eight weeks, but that seems unlikely given the current situation.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Avril (neck) will be placed on injured reserve, SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carroll also hinted that Avril may be considering retirement, saying that the pass rusher is visiting with doctors and "seriously looking at a big decision". The neck injury that's held Avril out since Week 4 could put him at added risk of suffering spine or head injuries if he continues to play.

Avril (neck) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is unsurprising after head coach Pete Carroll indicated earlier this week that Avril may be dealing with a more severe neck issue. Frank Clark will step in as starting right defensive end in his absence.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Avril (neck) may be dealing with a long-term issue, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avril's arm went numb during Sunday's 46-18 win over the Colts, and subsequent testing suggests he may have a serious neck or spinal concern. Given the nature of the injury, the Seahawks want him to be cautious and obtain the best medical information. Avril will miss Week 5 against the Rams and sounds likely to be out beyond that. Carroll's comments suggest that the team won't let Avril play anytime soon.

Head coach Pete Carroll stated that Avril (neck) won't play Sunday against the Rams, Tony Drovetto of the Seahawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Seattle will need to replace Avril's pass rush presence in order to slow down streaking Rams quarterback Jared Goff, as well as running back Todd Gurley. Frank Clark is positioned to take Avril's place on Seattle's defensive front for the time being.

Avril (neck) is being viewed as week-to-week and is unlikely to play Sunday against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avril is recovering from a bad stinger in his neck and some numbness in his arm after he was inadvertently kicked in the Seahawks' Week 4 victory over the Colts. After the divisional matchup with the Rams, the Seahawks will head into a bye in Week 6, so if Avril demonstrates improvement over the next two-plus weeks, he may be forced to miss only one contest. Frank Clark is the top candidate to start at defensive end opposite Michael Bennett for as long as Avril is sidelined.