By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – The first time the Seattle Seahawks turned to cornerbacks Ken Lucas and Paul Miranda, the result was better than expected. Now it looks like the Seahawks will have to drink from that well again.
Lucas and Miranda, each of whom made his first NFL start against Cleveland in the opener two weeks ago, appear as if they’ll be in the starting lineup again for Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia. Ike Charlton returned to practice following arthroscopic knee surgery, but probably will be used as a reserve, while Shawn Springs and Willie Williams appear unlikely to play.
“I feel a lot more confident,” Miranda said about the possibility of starting again. “I had confidence the first game also, but after the first game, it’s built up a little more.”
Lucas and Miranda helped hold Cleveland’s receivers to 12 receptions in the opener. Although coach Mike Holmgren was hoping to get more help this week, Charlton likely will be the only cornerback to return from injury.
“Ike’s OK,” Holmgren said Friday. “He could start at the corner, but he has missed a few days. If he doesn’t start, he’ll be in our nickel package.”
Springs, who is recovering from a slight hamstring tear that he suffered in the preseason opener seven weeks ago, has not practiced since. He is officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, but appears to be a long shot to play.
“It might be a tough one to get him ready,” Holmgren said. “The hamstring is a funny thing, and you kind of have to go with what the player says. He’s a speed guy, and he’s a little nervous about it, which makes me nervous.”
Williams could return to the field next week, less than a month after suffering a slight fracture to his left forearm. There is a realistic chance that all of Seattle’s cornerbacks will be healthy enough to practice next week.
That’s good news for the Seahawks, but it means Miranda’s playing time will be reduced.
“Right now I’m just taking it week by week,” he said. “Whatever happens happens.”
Game may be televised: Although the Seahawks did not sell out Sunday’s game by the Thursday deadline, the team has not received confirmation that local television coverage will be blacked out.
The NFL will reportedly decide today whether to lift the blackout for six NFL games that have not been sold out. Possible security concerns by fans, as well as the opportunity for sports fans around the country to see football games, are among the factors being considered.
The Seahawks game was originally scheduled to be televised on Channel 7 at 1:15 p.m.
Opening it up: Without trying to give up his game plan, Holmgren hinted that he might be less conservative on offense this week.
“I pulled in the reins just a little bit because I didn’t think Cleveland could score too much on us,” Holmgren said of the team’s opener. “I didn’t let them play as much as maybe they could have. But I think we will continue to improve each week. These guys just have to get some game experience.”
The Seahawks eked out a 9-6 win over Cleveland despite a game plan that was heavy on runs and short passes.
Security reminder: The Seahawks are asking fans not to bring coolers or backpacks to Sunday’s game, because they will not be allowed inside.
Fans bringing small bags or purses will be allowed to bring them into Husky Stadium, although they might be searched.
The NFL is also encouraging fans to arrive a half hour earlier than usual to allow time to get into the stadium.
Quick slants: As expected, Cleveland Browns cornerback Corey Fuller was fined $5,000 for his hit on Seahawks rookie Koren Robinson 13 days ago. Fuller was penalized for unnecessary roughness after delivering a forearm to Robinson’s head during an incomplete pass. … Holmgren said Trent Dilfer will be the No. 2 quarterback again this week, meaning Brock Huard will be the emergency quarterback.
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