Published: Friday, May 2, 2008
Jones is part of different look for Seahawks
By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
When the Seattle Seahawks return to the football field this morning for their first minicamp of 2008, the team certainly will have a different look.
Running back Shaun Alexander, who has been the face of the franchise for much of his eight-year NFL career, has moved on after being released last month. As of today, the Julius Jones era begins.
Jones, 26, is the leading candidate to take over as starting halfback for the Seahawks. Jones, T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris could all see carries during the regular season.
"I am coming into a situation where we have two new backs and one back that has been here for a while," Jones told a group of reporters Thursday morning. "We are going to have to get some things sorted out and see where it lands."
While he probably won't be used in the same role that Alexander was in his prime, Jones is likely to get the bulk of the work in the Seahawks' backfield. He had a career-high 267 carries with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, then carried the ball 164 times while splitting time with Marion Barber last season.
Alexander led the Seahawks in rushing in each of the past seven seasons. He had a franchise-record 1,880 yards on 370 carries in 2005, but had just 716 rushing yards during an injury-plagued 2007 season.
Now, Alexander is gone, and Jones has some big shoes to fill.
"Shaun has done some really great things here," Jones said. "He has made a name for himself here and done a lot for the community."
The Seahawks' minicamp is also a first chance to see the rookies in uniform. First-round pick Lawrence Jackson and second-round choice John Carlson are among the rookies expected to be in attendance for the three-day camp.
A veterans' camp continues into next week, running Monday through Thursday.
Jones is not the only new veteran scheduled to take part in his first Seahawks practice this morning. Duckett, guard Mike Wahle, tight end Jeb Putzier and defensive tackle Larry Tripplett also are expected to make their debuts.
Among the players not expected to participate are defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs, defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, center Chris Spencer and wide receiver Deion Branch, all of whom underwent offseason surgeries.
The minicamp takes place at the team's Kirkland facility. The team is not expected to move into its new practice facility in Renton until the end of the summer.
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