RENTON — Josh Wilson was able to return to last weekend’s loss after suffering a concussion, but the cornerback hasn’t practiced since and likely won’t play Sunday in Minneapolis.
He was one of two Seahawks cornerbacks — Marcus Trufant was the other — to return to last week’s loss to Arizona after suffering a concussion.
“I think the adrenaline of the game kept him clear — which happens a lot of times — and then when you get a chance to settle down it kind of settles in on you,” Seahawks coach Jim Mora said of Wilson.
Trufant took Wednesday off, then returned to practice the last two days and is expected to start. Wilson, however, has been out all week and is doubtful to play against the Vikings.
Wilson’s injury happened in the second quarter when he hit his head on the leg of Arizona running back Beanie Wells, then bounced hard on the grass playing surface. He stayed down momentarily and was evaluated by trainers before jogging to the sideline. Trufant’s injury came in the first quarter on the fourth-and-goal stop at the 1-yard line. Both were cleared to return to play during the game.
Behind the efforts of Dr. Stan Herring, the Seahawks have been one of the most proactive teams in the NFL in areas of concussion prevention, treatment and research. While one can argue that Wilson shouldn’t have returned to the game if he isn’t well enough to play this week, there is also a chance that on another team he would be practicing this week.
“We have probably the finest doctor in the United States in Stan Herring in terms of those situations,” Mora said. “We have great trust in him. … They’re not going to clear a guy to play unless they feel like he’s capable of continuing and not further damaging himself or injuring himself. I know our doctors are very good along those lines.”
Yet last weeks’ game shows that treating head injuries is still an inexact science.
Trufant said he felt cloudy for a few minutes following the hit, but things returned to normal quickly.
“You leave it up to the trainers,” he said. “I know I think I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a doctor, so I let the trainers take care of it. It’s always good to err on the side of caution, especially when you’re dealing with the head or neck or anything like that.”
With Wilson out, Kelly Jennings will start at cornerback opposite Trufant.
“He’s gotten better,” Mora said of Jennings. “You’ve seen his confidence grow and he’s made plays on the ball, and it’s really good to see him make that kind of improvement. Kelly has been a hard worker for a long time, and to see him bear the fruits of that is good.”
Spencer OK
Seahawks center Chris Spencer was limited Thursday with a back injury, but participated fully in practice Friday and is expected to play. Spencer is also dealing with a thumb injury on his right hand, forcing him to snap the ball left-handed.
Defensive tackle Craig Terrill is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Fines handed out
Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was fined $7,500 for elbowing Matt Hasselbeck in the throat after a sack. Seattle’s Jordan Babineaux was fined the same amount for a horse collar tackle on Anquan Boldin. Deon Grant and Beanie Wells were each fined $5,000 for their involvement in an altercation that led to Wells striking Grant. Arizona cornerback Bryant McFadden also was fined $5,000 for his facemask on T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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