By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
CHENEY – During the first two weeks of training camp, Seattle Seahawks receivers James Williams and Koren Robinson have had plenty of time to get acquainted. They’ve watched practices together, shared college memories, and even engaged in a few veteran-to-rookie exchanges.
On Monday morning, they did something else together – they practiced.
Williams has been out since June while recovering from a cracked bone in his foot. Robinson has taken part in only one full practice at training camp because of injuries to both hamstrings.
On Monday, they were finally on the field.
“It felt good to go out there and work with him,” Williams said. “It’s going to take a little time to get into the swing of things, but I think we’ll be pretty good.”
Williams looked like the more polished of the two receivers Monday, which may have something to do with the fact that he’s got one year of NFL experience under his belt. Robinson, who has seen limited action during the first two weeks of camp, was plagued by dropped balls in his first full day of work since July 29.
“It just felt good to be out there,” Robinson said. “I felt kind of slow. It was my first time really running since the beginning of training camp, so I felt a little slow. But that comes with time.”
Robinson dropped at least three passes during the practice, but the fact that the No. 1 draft pick was on the field at all came as good news to the Seahawks.
In fact, getting both receivers back was a welcome relief for the overworked receiving corps.
“They gave us some legs out there, some speed,” coach Mike Holmgren said of Williams and Robinson. “It was good to see them practicing out there.”
Both players will be further evaluated before Saturday’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I’m real anxious,” Robinson said. “I feel like I’ll be able to go this Saturday.”
Ailing QB: Quarterback Brock Huard was held out of practice again Monday, marking the third consecutive practice that he’s missed due to the stomach flu.
Huard was scheduled to play in Saturday’s preseason opener, but was a last-minute scratch because he wretched before the game.
“It was just horrible,” said Holmgren, who was sitting in an office at the RCA Dome on Saturday when he heard Huard get sick. “He hasn’t had (another) bout like that since just prior to the game, so I’m hopeful it’s over.”
The original plan for Saturday’s game was to play Huard in the second and third quarters, but his health meant Trent Dilfer had to serve as a last-minute replacement.
Huard might be back on the practice field as soon as today, but his status for Saturday is still unknown.
In search of depth: After watching the film of Saturday’s game, Holmgren said he was impressed with the play of the Seahawks’ first team on both sides of the ball.
The reserves weren’t quite as impressive.
“Once we made our substitutions, the wheels came off,” Holmgren said. “I was a little disappointed in our younger guys. The preseason means everything to them, and they didn’t handle it very well. That’s not the first time I’ve ever seen that, either. But I expect them to do the right thing. Hopefully they’ll get another chance.”
Itching to go: Linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski doesn’t remember ever missing a practice, not in the NFL, college or even in high school. So let’s just say Monday’s experience was a bit awkward.
“It’s killing me right now,” Kacyvenski said after the first missed practice of his NFL career. “I can’t remember the last time I missed practice.”
Kacyvenski’s left shoulder popped out of socket during Saturday’s loss to Indianapolis, and he was held out of Monday’s practice as a precaution.
The first sign that it wasn’t a very familiar position for Kacyvenski was the fact that he watched both the morning and afternoon practices while still wearing his helmet.
“It’s kind of weird right now,” Kacyvenski said. “I’m bummed. I’m just trying to keep my mind active.”
Quick slants: Fullback Reggie Brown (calf) took part in passing drills during the morning practice, but still isn’t healthy enough to join the team. … Wide receiver Corey Nelson, who suffered a shoulder injury during the first week of training camp, reached an injury settlement with the team and was placed on waivers. … Tackle Chris McIntosh has missed the last seven practice days and Saturday’s game due to a neck stinger, but Holmgren did not sound overly concerned. McIntosh’s status for this Saturday’s game is still to be determined.
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