All hands were on deck when Seahawks veteran minicamp began Tuesday at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, including defensive end Michael Bennett.
Minicamp, which continues through Thursday, is mandatory for players, unlike the previous three weeks of OTAs. There was some thought that Bennett, who did not attend OTAs and has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with his contract, may choose to hold out from minicamp. There was a brief buzz at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice as Bennett was nowhere to be seen. However, Bennett is present, he’s just not participating in practices because of an ankle injury picked up during training.
The other player who wasn’t seen during OTAs was defensive end Chris Clemons, but he was on hand Tuesday. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Clemons attended a couple OTAs when media were not allowed.
Indeed, it seems there’s a general sense of harmony around the Seahawks this offseason with regards to contracts. Bennett spoke to the media Tuesday and said he intends to be a good teammate. Meanwhile, safety Kam Chancellor, who held out from training camp and the first two games of the regular season last year, has given indications he won’t be holding out again this year, despite receiving no financial concessions from last year’s holdout.
While everyone was present Tuesday, not everyone was participating. In addition to Bennett, tight end Jimmy Graham (knee), running back Thomas Rawls (ankle), tackle Garry Gilliam (knee), receiver Kenny Lawler (knee) and cornerback Tye Smith (unknown) did not participate because of injury. Carroll said Gilliam, who underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his knee, is on the brink of returning.
Tackle J’Marcus Webb (calf) and running back C.J. Prosise (hip flexor), who miised time during OTAs because of injury, both took part in position drills Tuesday, but not in scrimmaging.
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