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SEAHAWKS NOTEBOOK: Engram a no-show at minicamp

By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer

KIRKLAND -- After watching most of the three-day weekend minicamp from the sidelines, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram is taking a more distant seat this week.

The 35-year-old receiver did not show up for the voluntary minicamp that started Monday. Engram wrote a letter to coach Mike Holmgren to explain his reasoning, which reportedly has to do with a dissatisfaction over Engram's current contract.

"This isn't the first time something like this has happened," Holmgren said. "There are business decisions, and I hope they work it out."

Engram is entering the final year of a two-year deal that paid him $1.7 million in base salary last season and is scheduled to pay him the same in 2008. Teammates Nate Burleson and Deion Branch have significantly richer contracts. Both are scheduled to make more than $3 million this season.

Engram is coming off the best year of his career. He had a franchise-record 94 receptions last season to go along with 1,147 receiving yards.

Holmgren said Engram informed him after the weekend minicamp that it was possible he might skip the voluntary camp. The full reason behind Engram's decision was in a letter that he wrote and passed out to several members of the front office.

So it didn't come as much of a surprise when Engram didn't show.

"He's been so good for us," Holmgren said. "He's an emotional player, and the business side of this gets emotional at times. I've had other players do this before on the non-mandatory days. That's the one thing they can do, or at least they perceive they can do.

"I just know that we need him here. We're looking forward to him having a big year."

Holmgren added that he expects Engram to be at the mandatory minicamps and training camp.

Burleson isn't worried about Engram missing any meaningful time.

"I know at the end of the day, when the lights come on, he's going to be ready to play," Burleson said. "Bobby's probably one of the most consistent receivers I've played with my entire life. Once game-time comes around, I'm not concerned about the offseason. He's going to be ready."

Engram's absence leaves just six wide receivers at the current minicamp: Burleson, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent and Joel Filani. Branch is recovering from knee surgery and probably won't be available until after the start of the regular season.

Sims out: Guard Rob Sims is also missing from the current minicamp after undergoing a scope of his right knee Tuesday morning. The team expects him to be out four to six weeks, meaning his participation in the June minicamp is up in the air.

Sims was working at right guard with the No. 1 offense. He was the starting left guard in 2007 but struggled and eventually split time with Floyd Womack.

Sims is likely to return as a starter, albeit on the right side.

"Rob's our right guard," Holmgren said. "It's his job to lose."

Veteran Mike Wahle, who was a Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers in 2005, was signed to play left guard.

One more year: Holmgren is not the only person going into his final season with the Seahawks.

Veteran offensive lineman Chris Gray, who turns 38 this summer, decided to return for a 16th NFL season.

"I feel like I've still got a little bit left," Gray said on Tuesday. "I'm not quite ready to hang it up yet."

Holmgren said that Gray, who has been the team's starting right guard since 1999, is slated to serve as a backup at center and both guard positions. As of now, the veteran is not competing for a starting spot.

"I'm old, and I realize that," Gray said. "Whatever my role is, I'm happy to do it."

How to use Duckett?: Holmgren said that Julius Jones and Maurice Morris were likely to split carries as the Seahawks' feature back this season. How he's going to use T.J. Duckett is still undetermined.

"He's been a halfback," Holmgren said, "but I'd like him to move to fullback a little bit."

Duckett, 27, has played halfback since his days at Michigan State University. But over the past two seasons combined, he has carried the ball just 103 times.

Quick slants: According to Holmgren, the only players likely to miss the start of training camp are defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs and wide receiver Deion Branch, both of whom are coming off knee surgeries. Several other players, including tackle Walter Jones (shoulder) and center Chris Spencer (shoulder), could be limited when training camp opens in late July. … Tight ends Jeb Putzier and Zac Alcorn sat out Tuesday's practice to rest injuries.