Seahawks notebook

Published 9:00 pm Monday, August 7, 2006

CHENEY – After a six-month layoff, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Jordan Babineaux was showing signs of rust in his first practice of training camp Monday.

Babineaux got some grief from his teammates for breaking away from the defensive backs huddle early, and later got teased for doing an interview when he was supposed to be lifting weights.

On the field, Babineaux also has a long way to go. He underwent shoulder surgery shortly after the Super Bowl and is being eased back into the flow. His first practice included position drills that focused on footwork and conditioning.

“It was a good feeling being out there sweating and working and trying to get that timing down,” Babineaux said after the morning practice.

Babineaux is not expected to play in Saturday’s preseason opener, and his return to the playing field is still up in the air.

“We’re going to kind of ease him into it,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “His legs are good. His shoulder has come back, and he’s ready to go now.”

Babineaux, who can play any number of positions in the defensive backfield, is expected to focus on cornerback for now. He could realistically battle Kelly Herndon and/or rookie Kelly Jennings for a starting spot by the end of camp.

“Once I actually get a chance to go out there and compete in the drills, I think I’ll have a chance to make a statement,” Babineaux said.

Stevens back soon: Holmgren said that tight end Jerramy Stevens, who has been sidelined the past six months because of knee surgery, is expected to practice Wednesday.

“I talked to him (Monday morning) and he’s a little uncertain, but he’s uncertain because he hasn’t done anything,” Holmgren said. “As far as our training staff, he’s ready to come back; we’ll ease him into it.”

Stevens’s absence has left Itula Mili as the No. 1 tight end, while Will Heller, Mike Gomez, Matt Murphy and Keith Willis are in a dead heat for the final roster spot.

Stevens is expected to win his starting job back, but offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said last week that the competition is open.

“You want them both to play the best they can, and then however it falls,” Haskell said. “If Jerramy’s going to take some time to get back, then Itula’s got to be ready.”

Quick slants: Defensive tackle Chartric Darby and cornerback Lance Frazier suffered minor injuries in Monday’s morning session but are expected to practice today. … Temperatures reached the mid-90s on Monday, marking the hottest day of training camp thus far.