Published: Monday, August 3, 2009
Seahawks get fan-friendly at camp
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AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, left, signs the side of the head of Phil Andruss, of Lynnwood, after an NFL football training camp workout on Monday in Renton.
RENTON — Seahawks practice took on a different look on the fourth day of training camp.
After three days of closed practices, fans were on hand to watch both of Seattle’s practice sessions Monday. Approximately 1,500 fans who registered last month to attend added a bit of spice to the morning and evening practices. And after a few days of getting their legs back under them, players said an added boost was welcome.
“Yesterday and today should be the hardest days of camp just because of the soreness, and it was good they brought the fans out today, because today would have been real tough had they not been here,” receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said.
In addition to livening up the atmosphere, a little bit of fan noise helps get the team prepared for games as well.
“You have to listen a little better, you have to pay attention a little more, because you can’t really hear Matt (Hasselbeck) as clearly,” running back T.J. Duckett said. “It’s more of a real game situation.”
Fans held up signs during the practices and wore jerseys of their favorite players, including unsigned rookie linebacker Aaron Curry. And while almost everything was positive, there was a bit of cynicism on display as well. Early in the morning practice, a pair of fans near the field debated over how many games oft-injured receiver Deion Branch would play, and ended up setting the over-under at five.
For the most part, however, it was good times for fans taking in training camp practice for the first time since camp moved from Cheney in 2006.
Mora confident Curry will be in uniform soon
The Seahawks continue to practice without first-round pick Aaron Curry, who hasn’t yet been signed to a contract. Seahawks coach Jim Mora wants the potential starting outside linebacker at practice soon, and said he believes that something will get done in the near future.
“Every practice he misses becomes more critical, because he’s missing repetitions that he’ll never get back,” Mora said. “But I remain confident that something will get done soon. I just really feel like there’ll be a breakthrough here. He’ll get in here. . . So as long as we can get it resolved here soon, my concerns will be lessened. But the longer it goes, the more concerned you get.”
Missing a few linemen
Walter Jones missed another day of practice with back spasms, but Mora said that shouldn’t be a long-term problem. Jones had been scheduled to practice every other day while coming back from knee surgery, but he has now missed three straight days because of a scheduled day off followed by the back spasms.
Fellow offensive lineman Ray Willis was also out for the morning practice while resting a sore knee, but returned for the evening practice. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (bruised knee) sat out both practices, but Mora said he expects him back soon.
Cornerback Marcus Trufant continues to be out with a sore back and reciever Billy McMullen (knee) and fullback Owen Schmitt (calf) missed the evening practice with what looked to be minor injuries.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
After three days of closed practices, fans were on hand to watch both of Seattle’s practice sessions Monday. Approximately 1,500 fans who registered last month to attend added a bit of spice to the morning and evening practices. And after a few days of getting their legs back under them, players said an added boost was welcome.
“Yesterday and today should be the hardest days of camp just because of the soreness, and it was good they brought the fans out today, because today would have been real tough had they not been here,” receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said.
In addition to livening up the atmosphere, a little bit of fan noise helps get the team prepared for games as well.
“You have to listen a little better, you have to pay attention a little more, because you can’t really hear Matt (Hasselbeck) as clearly,” running back T.J. Duckett said. “It’s more of a real game situation.”
Fans held up signs during the practices and wore jerseys of their favorite players, including unsigned rookie linebacker Aaron Curry. And while almost everything was positive, there was a bit of cynicism on display as well. Early in the morning practice, a pair of fans near the field debated over how many games oft-injured receiver Deion Branch would play, and ended up setting the over-under at five.
For the most part, however, it was good times for fans taking in training camp practice for the first time since camp moved from Cheney in 2006.
Mora confident Curry will be in uniform soon
The Seahawks continue to practice without first-round pick Aaron Curry, who hasn’t yet been signed to a contract. Seahawks coach Jim Mora wants the potential starting outside linebacker at practice soon, and said he believes that something will get done in the near future.
“Every practice he misses becomes more critical, because he’s missing repetitions that he’ll never get back,” Mora said. “But I remain confident that something will get done soon. I just really feel like there’ll be a breakthrough here. He’ll get in here. . . So as long as we can get it resolved here soon, my concerns will be lessened. But the longer it goes, the more concerned you get.”
Missing a few linemen
Walter Jones missed another day of practice with back spasms, but Mora said that shouldn’t be a long-term problem. Jones had been scheduled to practice every other day while coming back from knee surgery, but he has now missed three straight days because of a scheduled day off followed by the back spasms.
Fellow offensive lineman Ray Willis was also out for the morning practice while resting a sore knee, but returned for the evening practice. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (bruised knee) sat out both practices, but Mora said he expects him back soon.
Cornerback Marcus Trufant continues to be out with a sore back and reciever Billy McMullen (knee) and fullback Owen Schmitt (calf) missed the evening practice with what looked to be minor injuries.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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