Hasselbeck’s charley horse keeps improving

KIRKLAND – Another Seattle Seahawks practice passed with Trent Dilfer running the show Wednesday, yet head coach Mike Holmgren is expecting his starting quarterback to play on Sunday.

Holmgren said that Matt Hasselbeck is scheduled to work out for trainers today, with the possibility of him returning to the practice field Friday. Hasselbeck is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, meaning he officially has a 50-50 chance of playing.

But Holmgren said that he expects Hasselbeck to be available.

“If he takes a step backwards, or it doesn’t come along like we thought, then Trent will be ready to go,” Holmgren said.

Hasselbeck is still recovering from a bruised thigh that he suffered 11 days ago in a loss to St. Louis. Although he finished that game, Hasselbeck was not able to play in Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins. Dilfer played an inspired first quarter before struggling down the stretch in a 24-17 win over the Dolphins.

“Trent is very capable,” Holmgren said. “He was a little rusty (Sunday), by his own admission.”

Hasselbeck’s injury didn’t get much better by Monday, but it has since improved. The quarterback has undergone various forms of treatment, the latest of which has been acupuncture.

“He is better,” Holmgren said.

Boulware earns honor: Rookie Michael Boulware was named the NFC’s defensive player of the week after returning an interception 63 yards for the game-winning touchdown on Sunday.

Boulware, who is listed at safety but typically plays a nickel position similar to linebacker, also had three tackles in the game.

He joins punter Tom Rouen (Week 2, special teams) and cornerback Ken Lucas (Week 3, defense) as Seahawks who have received NFC honors this season. Running back Shaun Alexander has been a runner-up on multiple occasions.

Boulware is now tied for the NFC lead with four interceptions.

Still no Terry: Right tackle Chris Terry was missing from practice for the second time this week while tending to an ill family member in Florida.

While Holmgren said he expected Terry to return to the team Wednesday, the offensive lineman was not there for the afternoon practice.

Terry was suspended from Sunday’s win over Miami for violating an undisclosed team rule. Floyd Womack took his starting spot last Sunday and could start again against the Buffalo Bills this week.

Holmgren said no decision had been made on the starter.

Walter in, Jones out: Seattle’s punting situation – which has nothing to do with left tackle Walter Jones – went through some changes this week.

Rookie Donnie Jones was released after struggling against the Dolphins, and veteran Ken Walter was signed.

Walter, a seven-year NFL veteran, spent the past three seasons with the New England Patriots. He was released by the team last June.

Walter had a tryout with the Baltimore Ravens last week, but lost out to first-year punter Nick Murphy.

“My wife had the whip out; she was using me while I was at home,” he joked. “I told her that one of us had to go. Being close like that all the time, I felt like I had to (work at) Home Depot and drive a fork lift just to blow some steam off.”

Walter can also hold on kicks, which could come in handy if Hasselbeck can’t play. He held on Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning kicks in two of the last three Super Bowls.

Donnie Jones never really panned out as the replacement for Rouen, who was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 29. Jones was re-signed to the practice squad Wednesday.

No reunion: Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent spent the past eight seasons together as starting cornerbacks with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the duo probably won’t see each other this week.

Vincent, a Bills cornerback, is doubtful for the game due to a knee injury and isn’t expected to make the trip.

Taylor has had some knee problems of his own that have limited him in practices this year. He saw little playing time in Sunday’s win over Miami but is probable for the Buffalo game.

After years of being considered one of the best cornerback duos in the league, Vincent and Taylor have both struggled this season. The knee injury has limited Vincent to just three games, while Taylor has failed to make much of an impact as a Seahawks backup.

Quick slants: Rookie Niko Koutouvides, who is challenging Orlando Huff for the starting middle linebacker spot, was working at outside linebacker with the No. 1 defense Wednesday. He and Solomon Bates are likely to see time at outside linebacker due to injuries to Chad Brown and Tracy White. … Defensive end Chike Okeafor (ankle) and wide receivers Darrell Jackson (ankle) and Bobby Engram (ankle) joined Taylor as players who didn’t practice Wednesday but are expected to play in the game. … The Seahawks signed linebacker Tony Donald to the practice squad. … A limited number of tickets are still available for Sunday’s game. They can be purchased by calling 1-888-NFL-HAWK.