Seahawks-49ers inactives and some game-day links

As expected, the Seahawks are again playing without center Max Unger, who was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. TE Cooper Helfet, who was questionable with an ankle injury, is also inactive for the third straight week.

Of the healthy scratches, Kevin Norwood in the biggest surprise. The rookie receiver played 38 percent of the offensive snaps in last week’s win over Philadelphia and seemed to be carving out a bigger role for himself in the offense. Instead he’ll sit while receivers Bryan Walters and Chris Matthews are active. Matthews had a big role on special teams last week, so that likely has more to do with him dressing over Norwood than does their play at receiver. The situation is similar for Walters, who likely figures to go back to punt return duty after Doug Baldwin handled it last week.

During pregame warmups, Paul Richardson and Baldwin were catching kickoffs, while Walters and Richard Sherman fielded punt returns.

The 49ers, meanwhile, are down to their third option at center, with Joe Looney making his first start there, and will also be without starting right tackle Anthony Davis and cornerback Chris Culliver. With Davis out, don’t be surprised if Cliff Avril, who is a handful for even the best right tackles, has a big day.

Seahawks inactives: CB Marcus Burley, C Max Unger, DT Travian Robertson, WR Kevin Norwood, TE Cooper Helfet, TE RaShaun Allen, DE Demarcus Dobbs.

49ers inactives: QB Josh Johnson, WR Stevie Johnson, S Bubba Ventrone, CB Tramaine Brock, CB Chris Culliver, C Marcus Martin, T Anthony Davis.

And if you’re looking to kill time until kickoff, here’s my column in today’s Herald setting up a game between rivals headed in different directions.

Also worth a read if you missed it earlier this week, a very good profile on former 49ers GM and Seahawks senior personnel executive Scot McCloughan.

And from SI.com, Doug Farrar breaks down the Seahawks defense and asks if this year’s defense is even better than last year’s.