By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – To Matt Hasselbeck, the wait was too long. But he finally returned to the practice field Wednesday, and is expected to start in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
“I just want to win games,” said the Seattle Seahawks’ starting quarterback, who is recovering from a sore groin. “This is a huge game for us, there are a lot of implications because it is a division game, and it would be a huge win for us. However that gets done is fine by me. I obviously wish I was in their fighting and playing with my teammates, and I feel like I can, but it’s not my decision.”
Coach Mike Holmgren said he will not decide upon Hasselbeck or Trent Dilfer until later this week. If Hasselbeck is healthy, he will start. Hasselbeck is listed as probable on the team’s injury report, meaning there is a 75 percent chance of him playing Sunday.
“I just have to do the smart thing,” Holmgren said. “If Trent plays, Matt will heal up and be fine after (next week’s) bye. If we play Matt and he aggravates that, who knows what could happen in the game. Then we’ve kind of pushed everything back a little bit. That’s the decision to make.”
Of course, Hasselbeck is hoping to play this week. He tried to gut out the injury during a Week 3 game at Oakland, but eventually had to step aside. He was inactive for last week’s game against Jacksonville, while Dilfer led the team to a 24-15 victory.
“It’s tough to just sit there and watch,” Hasselbeck said. “I am doing everything I can to get better, and hopefully I can play. I feel like I can, but we will see.”
Hasselbeck took more than half the snaps with the No. 1 offense during Wednesday’s practice and said he felt no ill effects of the injury. While the scout team practiced, Hasselbeck stretched his groin on the sideline.
“Technically, I am not sure if I am supposed to be healthy right now, but I feel good,” Hasselbeck said. “I feel fine.”
Alexander honored: Running back Shaun Alexander was named the AFC’s offensive player of the week following his breakout performance in Sunday’s win over Jacksonville.
Alexander established career highs in carries (31), rushing yards (176) and touchdowns (two) in his second NFL start.
Denver cornerback Deltha O’Neal earned defensive honors after intercepting four passes Sunday.
Not very special: Holmgren reiterated his displeasure with the Seahawks’ special teams play Wednesday, going as far as to say, “There are a few of them that are on notice. Not only of (playing), but of being in the building.”
The Seahawks’ kickoff return team ranks last in the league in field position, while the punt return team is in the middle of the league. Return man Charlie Rogers, who has been among the best in the league the past two seasons, has struggled this year.
“He’s been in a little bit of a funk, and I’ve got to figure out a way to get him out of it, because he’s a good player and he’s done it before,” Holmgren said.
Quick slants: Tackle Chris McIntosh did not practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game due to a neck stinger. McIntosh was inactive for last Sunday’s game because of the injury, which also forced him to miss most of training camp. Todd Weiner will start at right tackle if McIntosh cannot play. … The Seahawks are 8-3 in games leading up to the bye week. The Seahawks have next Sunday off, followed by a home game with Miami on Oct. 28.
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