By SCOTT M. JOHNSON
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – Quarterback Brock Huard worked with the first unit during Friday’s practice and appears to be ready to start for the Seattle Seahawks at Oakland on Sunday.
Huard missed the previous two practice days due to an injured groin, so his Friday appearance was a good sign that he should be able to play.
“In the beginning it was a little shaky. My legs didn’t feel real good,” Huard said. “But once I got the blood flowing and let it rip, I felt pretty good.”
Huard is still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
“We have to see how he feels (Saturday) morning. That’s really the key,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “Jon (Kitna) had two good days of practice, so he’ll play if Brock can’t.”
Huard has started the past two games for the Seahawks, but had to leave in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis after a hit by linebacker Cornelius Bennett. Huard bruised his knee and caused a pulled groin muscle.
Tight end Christian Fauria also has a groin injury, although he is listed as probable for Sunday’s game. Fauria has played sparingly this season due to a number of injuries.
“Fauria is kind of an accident waiting to happen,” Holmgren said earlier this week. “Everything is pulled. If he had muscles on other places, he would probably pull those too. That’s what happens to him.”
Guard Pete Kendall, who aggravated a neck stinger Thursday, was back at practice Friday and should be available for the game. Wide receiver Derrick Mayes (finger) is also expected to play.
“I don’t think that he’s ever really had to go out there at the end of a football game,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. “I don’t know if he had to do it at the college level, I don’t believe he did against Duke or Virginia or any the teams that they played in that ACC. I don’t think he did it in any of the bowl games. I think it’s the first time that he actually went out there and made a kick of that magnitude with as much on the line as there was.
“I think that’s a great start for him and his future to win a football game at the end against a team like the Chiefs on the road.”
Both players are expected to lead the Seattle offense for years to come, yet the connection has developed sooner than expected.
“Darrell is leaps and bounds ahead of where most rookies are at this time,” said Huard, a second-year player. “He came in that way. He understands the game and has a great feel for the game. He’s not just running the route that’s on the paper. He’s feeling the defense, and he’s just got a great feel for the game.”
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