CHENEY – Even though many of their injured starters have trickled in during the past few days, the Seattle Seahawks won’t be anywhere near full strength when they travel to Indianapolis today.
Defensive linemen Grant Wistrom and Rocky Bernard, who made their training camp debuts this week, are expected to stay at Eastern Washington University to continue rehabilitating from offseason surgeries. Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu could make the trip, but coach Mike Holmgren said it was “unlikely” he would play because he’s nursing a minor groin strain. Center Robbie Tobeck won’t play following surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow.
Also missing will be wide receiver Darrell Jackson (knee) and defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs (Achilles), who are expected to practice for the first time next week.
Even some of the starters who do participate in Sunday’s game against the Colts will be limited in their playing time. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck probably won’t play much more than a quarter, and running back Shaun Alexander is also expected to make little more than a cameo appearance.
One thing Holmgren does want to see in the team’s second preseason game is a better mental performance.
“I thought we played hard” in the preseason-opening loss to Dallas one week ago, Holmgren said, “but we made a lot of mistakes and errors that are very much in our control: offsides, things like that. That has to improve.
“We’re in a tough place to play, it’s very loud, and that’s good for us. That’s what I want to see improve. We’ll play hard. I don’t worry about this team playing hard. But let’s play smart too.”
Mili ready: With Thursday’s news that Jerramy Stevens would be out for about six weeks came another promotion for tight end Itula Mili.
Mili, who has started 41 games during his nine-year NFL career, will replace Stevens in the starting lineup.
“It’s the same it’s been in the years past,” said Mili, who has started in place of Stevens and former Seahawk Christian Fauria during his career with the Seahawks. “That’s what I’m here for. If something happens, I’ve got to step up and go. That’s been my role here.”
Mili was more concerned with Stevens’ health than playing time. Stevens tore the meniscus in his left knee and was scheduled to undergo surgery Friday afternoon.
“Right now I can’t really see it as an advantage on a personal basis,” Mili said of earning the starting nod. “Jerramy’s been a part of our tight end squad.
“I’ve just got to step up. I’m sure he would want us to do that and keep going. That’s my role now.”
Communication breakdown: Holmgren said Friday that he hadn’t heard about the six-week timetable for Stevens’s recovery until he read about it in the newspaper.
While reporters initially thought he was joking, Holmgren was obviously agitated by the organizational mixup in signals.
When asked how word of Stevens’ return hadn’t gotten back to the head coach, Holmgren shrugged and said, “Life is strange,” before walking away.
Quick slants: Safety Michael Boulware (knee) took Friday’s morning practice off but was on the field for the afternoon session. He is expected to play in Sunday’s game. … Wide receiver D.J. Hackett returned to practice on a limited basis Friday morning after missing two weeks with a strained hamstring. He was in street clothes for the afternoon practice and won’t play against the Colts. … Tatupu missed his third day of practices with the groin injury. … Holmgren said that third-string quarterback Gibran Hamdan, who did not play in the preseason opener, would see time against Indianapolis on Sunday. The bulk of the work will go to Seneca Wallace, but David Greene might also see some time.
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