Seahawks notes

  • By Scott M. Johnson / Herald Writer
  • Tuesday, August 31, 2004 9:00pm
  • Sports

KIRKLAND – A hamstring injury has slowed top pick Marcus Tubbs, and a position change has bogged down the transition of second-round choice Michael Boulware. But the Seattle Seahawks have already seen some early returns from the rookie class of 2004.

Third-round pick Sean Locklear, an offensive lineman from North Carolina State, got extended playing time with the No. 1 unit in the past two preseason games, while Purdue middle linebacker Niko Koutouvides, a fourth-round choice, made quite a statement in Friday’s win over San Diego.

Locklear more than held his own in his second start at left tackle Friday, following up a less-than-impressive performance in his starting debut. Locklear was strong in both run blocking and pass protection, although he did give up a third-quarter sack to blitzing linebacker Steve Foley.

“He’s coming along,” offensive line coach Bill Laveroni said. “He’s fortunate that he’s getting a lot of snaps. Not all young players get as many snaps as he did, and there’s nothing better than experience for a young player. “

With Chris Terry returning to the starting lineup at right tackle, Floyd Womack has moved over to left tackle until Walter Jones reports. That means that Locklear has probably seen his best opportunity to show the coaches what he can do.

“He’s not a finished product,” Laveroni said. “But the best part about him is his work ethic. He’s trying, and his effort’s been really good.”

Koutouvides, making his first start as part of a three-man rotation at middle linebacker, made a case for himself with a three-tackle performance. His most impressive play came on a first-quarter drive, when Koutouvides ran over Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal to help thwart a reverse.

“I had to do what I had to do and make sure my teammates knew they could count on me,” Koutouvides said. “I thought I did pretty good, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Koutouvides is battling Orlando Huff and Solomon Bates for the starting spot.

“They’re making it hard on us, which I asked them to do, to make that decision at middle linebacker,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “It’s very, very close at that position.”

Huff is expected to start Thursday against Minnesota, but all three will play. The coaching staff will decide after that who earns the starting job.

Waiting on Walt: Franchises are slowly getting their franchise players back.

Julian Peterson signed a one-year tender and reported to the San Francisco 49ers last week. Baltimore’s Chris McAlister reported to his team Monday, Oakland’s Charles Woodson did the same Tuesday, and St. Louis tackle Orlando Pace is rumored to be next.

So where’s Walter Jones?

The Seahawks’ Pro Bowl left tackle probably won’t report until next Monday, which would follow his pattern from last season. He has yet to sign a one-year tender after the team franchised him for the third consecutive time last February.

Asked about Jones’s situation earlier this week, Holmgren didn’t sound overly concerned.

“I haven’t seen him,” Holmgren said jovially.

Empty promise? Following an 81-yard punt return from San Diego rookie Wes Welker on Friday, Holmgren challenged his special teams to show more effort.

He told the media Monday that the lackluster performance on that return would undoubtedly cost people some jobs this week.

Wednesday arrived, and not a single Seahawk who had been on the field for Welker’s return had been cut.

Huff, Koutouvides, Damien Robinson, Jordan Babineaux, Kerry Carter, Michael Harden, Heath Evans, R.J. Luke, Josh Whitman, J.P. Darche and Tom Rouen were still around when the Seahawks’ first round of cuts went down.

Quick slants: The Seahawks made two more roster moves Tuesday, placing D.D. Lewis on the injured list and waiving Jernaro Gilford to get down to the roster limit of 76 players. Teams had until Tuesday to trim to 65 players, not including NFL Europe exemptions and players in the international development program. Seattle has 10 NFLE exemptions plus Christian Mohr, who is in the international development program. Mohr, a defensive end from Germany, is guaranteed to be on the team this season but won’t count against the 53-man roster. … Mill Creek gymnast Brett McClure is scheduled to be one of three Olympians to raise the 12th Man flag at the Seahawks-Vikings game Thursday. McClure will join Bremerton swimmers Tara and Dana Kirk in the pre-game ceremony.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.