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<< Previous   of   Next >> Associated Press  (click to enlarge) Seahawk running back Maurice Morris rushed for 87 yards on 28 carries in Monday night's victory over the 49ers.   ADVERTISEMENT   ADDITIONAL ITEMS • Seattle Seahawks (External Link) • Stats (External Link)   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, November 15, 2007 Holmgren might alternate RBs When Shaun Alexander returns from an injury, he may split playing time with Maurice Morris. By Scott M. Johnson Herald Writer KIRKLAND -- With as much subtlety as a 6-foot-5 man can manage, Mike Holmgren made a shift of sorts on Wednesday afternoon. The Seattle Seahawks coach said when Shaun Alexander returns from his knee injury, which could well be this Sunday, the team might split time between its two running backs. "When Shaun's healthy, Shaun's going to be back in playing. But I think (Maurice Morris) certainly deserves the chance to play," he said when asked how he'll handle the workload when Alexander returns. "What I have to figure out is probably a way to use both of them." Morris turned in an admirable performance while filling in for Alexander on Monday night, gaining 87 yards on 28 carries. While his yards-per-carry average of 3.1 wasn't all that impressive, his final total marked the most yardage by a Seattle running back since Alexander ran for 100 yards in Week 3. "Whenever he goes in for Shaun in the games, it's a changeup," offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said of Morris. "It's like a fastball pitcher going in. He's faster; he's quicker." Said Holmgren: "I thought Mo had a good game the other night. More effective? Less effective? I wouldn't say that, necessarily." Holmgren was not specific about who may or may not start Sunday, saying that Alexander's health status later this week would be a factor. Alexander did not practice Wednesday but is expected to be on the field Friday, at which time he'll be re-evaluated. Either way, the running backs could split carries in the future. The last time the Seahawks shared repetitions with their halfbacks was for a few weeks during the second half of the 2001 season, when Alexander and veteran Ricky Watters split the duty. "I'm always a little reluctant to do that with any position, really," Holmgren said. "I don't like to platoon guys or give guys (alternating) series or different things like that -- if I can help it. But I've got to see." Alexander turned 30 in August. Holmgren said Wednesday that, generally, running backs aren't as productive after their 30th birthdays. He went on to say that injuries are the typical reason for the decline. But when asked specifically about where Alexander is in his career, the coach said: "I am not ready to answer that right now. All I know is that he is recovering from his knee injury, which I believe is the first knee injury of his career. He is one of those guys, though, who is a special guy physically." Branch is back: Wide receiver Deion Branch returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past four games with a sprained foot. While no official injury report is out until Friday afternoon, all indications are that Branch will be available for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. "It felt real good just to be bouncing around, running around with the teammates," Branch said. "I felt a whole lot better." Left tackle Walter Jones (shoulder) and Alexander were among the players who did not practice. Also sidelined were linebacker Leroy Hill (hamstring), linebacker Will Herring (hamstring), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin) and safety C.J. Wallace (knee). "I'm hopeful that we're getting a couple of those guys back for the game," Holmgren said, "but I won't know until Friday." Special teams slide: For all the things done right in the 24-0 win over San Francisco Monday night, Holmgren was not all hugs and kisses during his Wednesday press conference. Seattle's coach expressed frustration over the performance of his special teams unit, which was plagued by bad decisions, a key penalty and an off-target snap or two. "You can't just say, 'oh well,' because we won the game," Holmgren said. "You can't let it slide by. I was very unhappy with how we did a number of things in that game. You've got to fix it because you can't lose a game because of some bone-head play. I didn't like it at all." Engram's the Man: The Seahawks named their Man of the Year on Wednesday, and wide receiver Bobby Engram took honors for the first time. Engram does work with several charities, including Sickle Cell Anemia research. He is now one of 32 finalists for the NFL's Man of the Year, which will be given out at Super Bowl XLII. Past winners of the Seahawks' award include cornerback Marcus Trufant (2006), Alexander (2005) and former fullback Mack Strong (2004). No revenge needed: Seattle safety Mike Green will face his former team for the first time Sunday after missing both of last year's games with Chicago due to injury. "No extra emotions," said Green, who was traded to Seattle after the 2005 season because the Bears had younger options at the position. "Maybe last year I could've had some, but it's different this year." Quick slants: Cornerback Kevin Hobbs, who was cut Monday to clear a roster spot for fullback David Kirtman, was signed to the practice squad Wednesday. … Offensive lineman Ray Willis saw limited action at practice for the first time since Week 4. … Defensive end Baraka Atkins also returned to practice after missing Monday's game with an ankle injury.

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