Thursday was the third of the Seahawks’ nine OTAs over the next three weeks, but it was the first that was open to the media. Therefore, the most pertinent news concerns who was there and who wasn’t, as OTAs are technically voluntary for the players. Let’s put those into three categories:
Those who chose not to attend: Defensive ends Michael Bennett and Chris Clemons.
– Bennett has been open about his dissatisfaction with his contract, and it was widely expected the Pro Bowler would sit out OTAs. However, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he’s been in contact with Bennett and he expects Bennett to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp on June 14-16.
– Clemons, who returned to the team on a one-year free-agent deal, often exercised his right not to attend OTAs during his previous stint with the Seahawks, so this is nothing new.
Those we were not present Thursday, but with an excuse: Linebacker K.J. Wright and tackle Garry Gilliam.
– Wright, the team’s starter at weak-side linebacker, was seen in team photos from closed sessions earlier this week. But he was not present Thursday, apparently because of the birth of his child.
– Gilliam, who’s expected to start at left tackle after playing right tackle last season, had a cyst in his knee that needed to be removed. However, Carroll said there was no actual structural damage to Gilliam’s knee, so he shouldn’t be out long.
Those who were present, but did not participate: Running backs Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise, tight end Jimmy Graham and tackle J’Marcus Webb.
– Rawls and Graham are recovering from injuries that ended their 2015 seasons. Rawls, the heir apparent to Marshawn Lynch, suffered a broken ankle and ligament damage. Graham, last year’s big offseason trade acquisition, suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee. Carroll said both are making good progress, with Rawls back to running and Graham just getting to the point of running again. Carroll said it’s “really possible” that both could be ready for the start of the season, barring setbacks, though both will be eased into training camp. Carroll said Rawls is ahead of Graham in the recovery process.
– Webb, a free-agent signing who’s slated to start at right tackle, has a calf pull, with Carroll saying he expects Webb to be out 10 days.
– Prosise, a rookie selected in the third round of the draft, has a hip-flexor injury that’s not considered serious.
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