By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – If an NFL expansion team were to build its roster off the injury report for this week’s Seahawks-Jacksonville Jaguars game, it would have a pretty solid foundation.
Seattle will be without running back Ricky Watters (shoulder), while quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (groin), tackle Chris McIntosh (neck) and cornerback Shawn Springs (hamstring) are all listed as questionable.
The Jaguars will be missing starting strong safety Donovin Darius (hip) and running back Fred Taylor (groin), while defensive end Tony Brackens (knee) and cornerback Fernando Bryant (foot) are doubtful. Tackle Tony Boselli (shoulder) and quarterback Mark Brunell (head) are questionable.
In addition, Jacksonville linebacker Hardy Nickerson went down with a pinched nerve in his neck during Wednesday’s practice.
Springs practiced for the first time in nearly two months on Wednesday, and has a 50-50 chance of making his season debut Sunday. He injured his left hamstring during an Aug. 11 preseason game and has not played or practiced since.
“I was just worried about my leg falling off. It hurts,” Springs said after the practice. “I’m not where I want to be, but you’ve got to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. Right now I’m just getting my feet wet and seeing how I feel.”
McIntosh and Hasselbeck were held out of Wednesday’s practice.
Watters out 6-8 weeks: Watters, who suffered a crack in his right shoulder during Sunday’s loss to Oakland, opted not to undergo surgery and will be out 6-8 weeks, according to Holmgren.
“He is going to let it heal on its own,” Holmgren said. “He says he is a fast healer, and he is. Right now that is his decision and I respect that. That is his call.”
Watters, who watched practice Wednesday with his right arm in a sling, believes he can return to the lineup earlier than he would with surgery. According to Holmgren, the surgery would have kept Watters out a minimum of four weeks.
Security reminder: The Seahawks are keeping the same security measures they had for their home opener. Bags bigger than a purse or fanny pack are not allowed in Husky Stadium on Sunday.
Quick slants: The Seahawks have actually given up 18 sacks, not 19 as previously reported. The league took away a Cleveland sack from the season opener because it was ruled that Hasselbeck was tackled behind the line of scrimmage during a botched running play. The official number will probably go down to 17 sacks in the near future, as a similar play happened in the Oakland game. … The Seahawks signed cornerback Harold Blackmon to their practice squad. Blackmon was on the active roster until Tuesday, when he was released to make room for backup running back Jay Graham. Cornerback Shawn Forte was released from the practice squad.
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