Injuries keep 13 Seahawks out of Saturday night’s game

Published 5:39 pm Saturday, August 16, 2008

SEATTLE — Defensive end Patrick Kerney and punter Ryan Plackemeier are among the Seattle Seahawks who will not play in tonight’s preseason home opener against the Chicago Bears.

According to a release put out by the team, they are among 13 players not in uniform.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is in uniform, but he will not start. Charlie Frye is slated to get his first start as a Seahawk.

Hasselbeck missed most of the practice week while nursing a sore back. He has been throwing passes during pregame warmups without any sign of discomfort.

Kerney resumed practice this week after missing most of training camp with a strained calf. Plackemeier also returned to practice earlier this week. His camp debut was delayed by a torn pectoral muscle.

Also expected to sit out tonight’s game are wide receiver Bobby Engram (shoulder), wide receiver Deion Branch (knee), wide receiver Joel Filani (knee), cornerback Jordan Babineaux (knee), long snapper Tyler Schmitt (back), linebacker Will Herring (sore muscles), center Chris Spencer (back), tackle Samuel Gutenkunst (injury not disclosed), defensive tackle Red Bryant (knee), defensive end Chris Cooper (knee) and defensive tackle Larry Tripplett (knee).

Coach Mike Holmgren said earlier this week that Engram, Branch and Bryant are the only ones from that group who are in danger of missing the regular-season opener.