Seahawks' Clowney ruled out vs. Panthers

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is out for the team's Week 15 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Seahawks reporter John Boyle.

The Seahawks initially listed Clowney as questionable Friday but later downgraded him as he battles the flu and a core muscle injury.

The 26-year-old missed Seattle's Week 12 bout against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a hip issue. In two games since making his return, Clowney has yet to record a sack.

Although Clowney hasn't put up stellar numbers with the Seahawks, he leads the team in sacks (3) and forced fumbles (4) this year. The NFC West club has amassed 23 sacks through 13 games, which stands as the third-worst mark in the NFL.

Clowney was selected first overall in 2014 by the Houston Texans. He recorded 29 sacks and was selected to three Pro Bowls in five seasons with the Texans before being traded to Seattle in August.

The 10-3 Seahawks had their five-game winning streak snapped by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 and sit in second place in their division behind the San Francisco 49ers.