Alexander says latest boo-boo won’t cause Hawks to boo-hoo
Published 12:06 am Friday, September 14, 2007
KIRKLAND — While Shaun Alexander downplayed its significance, the soft guard he’s been wearing this week to protect his left wrist and hand carries a sense of painful déjà vu for Seattle Seahawks fans.
This time last year, Alexander suffered a minor foot injury that eventually developed into a cracked bone and cost him six games of the 2006 regular season. But Alexander insists his latest “boo-boo,” as he called it, is nothing to boo-hoo about.
“We’re just making sure that we’re OK,” Alexander said after Thursday’s practice, without being specific as to what hurts. “It is what it is. It’s football.
“I would call it a boo-boo. That’s what I use with my daughters. Boo-boos are good. It’s just a thing we made up. A boo-boo with a boo-boo protector, (that) sounds great.”
Alexander has taken part in both practices this week, which is a good sign that he’ll play at Arizona on Sunday. Because he has not been held out of a practice, the team is not required to disclose the nature of his injury until today’s official report comes out.
Coach Mike Holmgren does not talk on Thursdays, and his Wednesday press conference came before Alexander was seen wearing the guard at that afternoon’s practice.
Ready to debut: One player who sat out Thursday’s practice was wide receiver Ben Obomanu, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury but was originally slated to play this week.
If Obomanu can’t play in Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, rookie Courtney Taylor would serve as the No. 4 receiver. Taylor was working with both the No. 1 offense and scout team Thursday.
“It was a marathon out there for me,” he said. “But at the same time, I welcome it. I tell myself all the time: hey, man, you missed two-and-a-half weeks (with a knee injury), so get out there and learn.”
Starting receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) is not expected to play Sunday, leaving Obomanu or Taylor as the No. 4 receiver. Neither player was activated for last Sunday’s opener.
Offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said he believes Taylor will be up for the challenge if called upon.
“He’s ready,” Haskell said. “He knows (the offense). He’s an alert guy. He’s studied very hard.”
Quick slants: Linebacker Leroy Hill (foot), running back Maurice Morris (hip) and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (shoulder) missed their second day of practice. Their status for Sunday’s game will be disclosed this afternoon. … The Seahawks will hold a morning practice today and travel to Arizona on Saturday.
