RENTON — This week’s official NFL injury report indicates Tarvaris Jackson has a 50-50 chance of playing Sunday. His words — as well as his actions — on Friday suggested the Seahawks’ starting quarterback has much better odds of playing against Cincinnati.
Jackson was listed as questionable, but as a full participant in Friday’s practice, he threw more often and with more velocity than he has since suffering a strained pectoral muscle three weeks ago in a win over the New York Giants.
“Tarvaris had his best day in the last couple of weeks,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “He just started to come out of it and threw the ball well. He’s still questionable, but we’ll take the next couple of days and see where we are, but that’s a very good sign . … It’s encouraging, and I think he’ll have a chance to play if he can get through these two days.”
As for Jackson, he said that if he continues to progress over the next two days at the rate he has so far, he should be ready to go.
“I’ve been making the jump each day, so hopefully I get that same jump tomorrow,” he said. “If it makes that jump like I think, then I should be fine.”
Jackson said he still has some pain when he throws, but that he can play through it knowing it won’t make the injury worse. So long as he feels he can make all of the necessary throws, Jackson said he’ll play.
“I want to play,” he said. “Obviously I want to play, but if I can’t be the player that I know I can be, I don’t want to go out there and hurt the team, but I feel like it’s time for me to come back. I don’t think this injury can keep me out of the game much longer. We’re 2-4 right now, so I want to get back out there so we can get some Ws.”
With Jackson sidelined last week, the offense struggled with backup Charlie Whitehurst in charge, scoring just three points in a loss to Cleveland. Prior to that game, the offense appeared to be hitting its stride after a strong second half against Atlanta then a breakout game in New York. Whitehurst has taken the bulk of the reps this week and is ready to start should Jackson not be ready. But Jackson said he’ll be prepared for the Bengals if he does get the call, limited practice reps or not.
“I’ve been tuned in the whole time, just making sure I understand the whole game plan and understand their defense,” he said.
Other injuries
Tight end Zach Miller (concussion/neck), running back Marshawn Lynch (back) and center Max Unger (foot), who all missed last week’s game, practiced fully for the second straight day and are listed as probable.
“Max had a very good week, he’s ready to go,” Carroll said. “Marshawn feels fine. He’ll be ready to go. … Zach is back too, so that’s a big difference. Those guys are starters for a reason, so we’re glad to have those guys back.”
Safeties Kam Chancellor (knee), Atari Bigby (hamstring) and Jeron Johnson (ankle) are all listed as probable.
Lewis back from PUP list
Cornerback Roy Lewis, who spent the first six games of the season on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from knee surgery, will be activated prior to Sunday’s game and will play, Carroll said. Lewis could play a big role right away as Seattle’s third cornerback in passing situations. Last year’s special-teams captain, Lewis is sure to see a lot of action in that area as well. Seattle has lost two cornerbacks for the season in recent weeks with Marcus Trufant going down with a back injury and Walter Thurmond with a broken leg and ankle injury.
“I’m back and I’m happy,” said Lewis, who last played in Week 15 of last season. “… It has been a while, but it feels good to be back. It’s going to feel good to put the uniform on on Sunday.”
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out his Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog.
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