The Seahawks have hit the half way point of the season with a 4-4 record, and despite two ugly losses in the past two weeks, they’re still tied for first place heading to face division rival Arizona on Sunday.
And from the sounds of things, the Seahawks should have their starting quarterback, plus a few other key players back when they head to the desert. QB Matt Hasselbeck “had a good workout today,” Pete Carroll said. And while Hasselbeck hasn’t been cleared to play yet by doctors, Carroll sounded confident that that will happen this week and that Hasselbeck should be back.
Also returning to practice this week will be DT Brandon Mebane, who has missed four games with a calf injury. Mebane practiced on a limited basis last Thursday and Friday, but still wasn’t able to play. He should be able to go at full speed Wednesday, Carroll said, and is expected to be back for Sunday’s game.
Left tackle Russell Okung also worked out today and is, “day-to-day” according to Carroll, who added that Okung is, “Very close” to returning. If he gets back, that would not only make the Seahawks better at tackle, but it would allow Chester Pitts to slide back to left guard, making that position stronger as well.
Defensive tackle Colin Cole and receiver Golden Tate, meanwhile, will be out a couple more week with ankle injuries, Carroll said.
No significant injuries came out of Sunday’s game, which was about the only good news for the Seahawks from Sunday. Tight end Chris Baker hurt his foot, but was able to return to the game and should practice on Wednesday. Safety Earl Thomas got his foot stepped on late in the first half, but also returned to the game and should be fine.
As for the season moving forward, the Seahawks are in an interesting place having been so thoroughly beaten the past two weeks, yet still sitting atop first place in a tie with St. Louis.
“We’re fortunate to be where we are right now,” Carroll said.
Carroll, who hasn’t lost back-to-back games since his first season at USC, admitted that, “I’m not sleeping as well as I’d like,” but also sounded confident that his team will respond to some adversity.
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