Injuries force numerous Hawks to sit in minicamp
Published 9:00 pm Saturday, May 5, 2001
By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – The offseason injury bug has hit the Seattle Seahawks again, but it hasn’t been as disastrous as last year.
At least two players won’t practice today due to relatively minor injuries they’ve suffered during the first two days of the current minicamp.
Wide receiver James Williams was on crutches Saturday, one day after he cracked a bone in his right ankle. Coach Mike Holmgren said Williams does not need surgery, but that he will need six to eight weeks to recover. Williams is expected to be back for training camp, which begins July 29.
Rookie cornerback Ken Lucas went down with a strained hamstring Saturday, and also is expected to miss today’s practice – the final one of the team’s current three-day minicamp. Lucas should be available by the time the Seahawks’ next minicamp opens in June.
Cornerback Paul Miranda sat out of Saturday’s practices due to a sprained ankle, but it is not believed to be serious.
Others not practicing so that they can rest injuries include tight end Christian Fauria (ankle), tight end Rufus French (knee), tackle Walter Jones (shoulder), defensive end Lamar King (shoulder), wide receiver Koren Robinson (hamstring), defensive lineman Jeremy Staat (shoulder), defensive tackle Tim Watson (knee), and guard Floyd Wedderburn (shoulder).
Myles opts for free agency: One of the players missing from minicamp is middle linebacker DeShone Myles, who turned down an offer from the team so that he could test the free-agent market.
Myles has missed most of the past three seasons due to injuries to both knees, and he has undergone three surgeries during that span. His contract expired after the 2000 season, and he is no longer listed on the Seahawks’ roster. Levon Kirkland and Isaiah Kacyvenski are the only true middle linebackers on the team.
Quick slants: Kacyvenski was the star of Saturday’s morning practice, making two interceptions while breaking up another pass. … After a shaky outing on Friday, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck seemed more comfortable Saturday. His two best passes were touchdown throws to receiver Karsten Bailey over double coverage. … The Seahawks’ final practice of the current minicamp will take place this morning.
