KIRKLAND – After spending the practice week with backups at both outside linebacker positions, the Seattle Seahawks got one of their starters back Friday.
If all goes according to plan, the other will join them today.
Chad Brown returned to practice Friday, declaring himself ready to play in this Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Anthony Simmons was still out of town attending to a family matter.
Simmons is expected to return from South Carolina today, and coach Mike Holmgren is optimistic that the linebacker will be in uniform Sunday.
“It appears he’ll be back to play,” Holmgren said. “We’re going to feel him out (tonight) and see how he is.”
Brown practiced for the first time in almost two weeks Friday, but admitted that his ailing right foot is still less than 100 percent.
“It hurts,” he said shortly after Friday’s practice. “But I’ll be full-go. I’ll be out there trying to do my thing.”
Lewis, an undrafted second-year player from the University of Texas, started in place of Brown last Sunday. Even if both Brown and Simmons are available this week, Lewis will probably see extensive playing time.
Getting Brown back could be a boost to the defense, which gave up 412 yards of total offense to the Cincinnati Bengals last week while he stood on the sideline in street clothes.
Brown injured the foot almost a year ago, eventually having season-ending surgery. He has practiced on a limited basis all year, then suffered a setback 13 days ago in a win over Chicago.
He said the foot still gives him problems, on and off the field.
“But when you’re on the field, you have to do your stuff,” he said. “You can’t give yourself bad technique or set yourself up to play slow. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.”
King activated: The Seahawks added defensive end Lamar King to the roster Friday, making him eligible to play in Sunday’s game.
King has not played in 11 months due to an injury to his left knee that required microfracture surgery.
“It’s been real tough,” King said earlier this week. “When you can’t participate with your teammates, it’s kind of hard. But you have to just put it behind you and move forward.”
King was activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list, meaning the team had to clear a roster spot by placing tight end Ryan Hannam on injured reserve. Hannam suffered a season-ending knee injury in an Oct. 19 win over Chicago.
King’s last game was Dec. 1, 2002, but he has practiced the past three weeks.
“He’s moving awful well,” Holmgren said. “He hasn’t played any football, so he might get surprised some in there. But he’s moving well. I’m hoping he gives us a little bit of a burst in there.”
Robinson returns: Wide receiver Koren Robinson, who took two days off to rest a sore hip, was back on the practice field Friday.
Although he is listed as questionable on the injury report, Robinson is expected to start against the Steelers.
Robinson is Seattle’s leading receiver, with 26 receptions for 359 yards.
Quick slants: Holmgren said that the starting defensive line is likely to include Chike Okeafor at right end, Brandon Mitchell at left end, John Randle at right tackle, and either Norman Hand or Cedric Woodard at left tackle … Cornerback Ken Lucas (ankle) and safety Ken Hamlin (foot) practiced Friday and are expected to play against Pittsburgh. The only two players likely to be held out due to injury are linebacker Tracy White (foot) and fullback Heath Evans (neck stinger).
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