CHENEY – Rookie strong safety Michael Boulware’s first NFL camp has too often seen him in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But during one play Thursday morning, Boulware was Johnny-on-the-spot.
While sprinting downfield to recover from a missed assignment, the Seattle Seahawks’ safety blindly reached into the air in an attempt to redirect a Matt Hasselbeck throw intended for Darrell Jackson. In stride, Boulware caught the ball without looking, recording the most impressive interception of camp thus far.
“I think the stickum’s back, or something,” Hasselbeck said. “That was ridiculous. That was probably the best catch I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Boulware played down the interception.
“It was a gift from God, honestly,” he said. “I didn’t really pick it up until it was in my hands. I really didn’t see it at all. I just felt it.”
Boulware, who is making the transition from outside linebacker, later broke up a pass over the middle intended for tight end Jerramy Stevens.
Big camp for ex-Husky: Stevens, a University of Washington product and former first-round pick, is giving every indication that he’s ready to make a major contribution this season.
The 6-foot-7 tight end has been one of Hasselbeck’s favorite targets at camp. Stevens made several catches Thursday morning, including a long pass over the middle.
“It’s easy to get comfortable with a guy as big as he is and as good as he is,” Hasselbeck said. “He’s really improving. What he’s doing right now is making the really tough catches. It’s the easy ones (he drops), for whatever reason.”
Stevens dropped an easy pass Thursday morning, then another at the afternoon practice that drew a few words from coach Mike Holmgren.
“It’s time for him,” Holmgren told reporters after the morning practice. “I’ve said this, and I will stick with it: As long as he’s healthy, he can play. If he gets to training camp and learns and gets the practice days he needs, then he can show (his ability).
“I am hopeful he stays healthy and can play. But, yeah, he has been in the principal’s office a fair amount, young Jerramy.”
Healing up: Wide receiver Koren Robinson (quadriceps), safety Ken Hamlin (elbow) and defensive end Anton Palepoi (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday morning, while tackle Chris Terry (shoulder) took the day off.
Two players were sidelined for the afternoon practice. Quarterback Trent Dilfer (back) and defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs (hamstring) will also be held out of Saturday’s game but should practice next week. Terry is also expected to miss the game.
Seven other players were sidelined by injuries: quarterback Brock Huard (back), offensive lineman Jerry Wunsch (ankle), defensive end Grant Wistrom (heel), linebacker D.D. Lewis (shoulder) and defensive backs Jernaro Gilford (knee), Arnold Parker (shoulder) and Kris Richard (ankle).
Linebacker Chad Brown and cornerback Bobby Taylor took the afternoon off Thursday for routine rest.
Quick slants: Cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas continue to shine at training camp. Both made impressive plays Thursday, including Trufant’s juggling interception in the end zone. … The Seahawks will hold a short walkthrough this morning before traveling back to Seattle for Saturday night’s preseason game against the Denver Broncos. … Tickets are still available for Saturday’s game. They can be purchased by calling 206-622-HAWK or by visiting www.seahawks.com or any Ticketmaster outlet.
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