RENTON — Seahawks coach Jim Mora said Wednesday that Walter Jones will be placed on the injured-reserve list, ending any hope that the Pro-Bowl left tackle will play this season.
Now the question is whether Jones, 35, will ever play again.
Jones, who underwent two knee surgeries in an eight-month span, has not played this year, but the team had hoped that he may be able to play after the bye week. Instead, Jones will be re-evaluated after the season.
“After much deliberation and evaluation and soul searching between the team, the medical staff and Walter Jones, it has been determined that the best thing to do for Walter, for this football team and for his future is to put him on injured reserve,” Mora said. “So we’re going to do that today, we’re going to shut him down, we’re going to let him heal up, have whatever procedures our medical staff feels is necessary and then re-evaluate early next year.”
Mora said that Jones has been diligent in his rehabilitation, “but it’s just not happening.”
Jones, a nine-time Pro Bowler, last played on Thanksgiving Day 2008 in Dallas, and finished the season on injured reserve. Mora said it was too early for a career eulogy, but also said he didn’t know if Jones would be back next season.
“I think it’s really too early to indicate one way or another, but we just need to shut him down and then re-evaluate at the start of next year,” Mora said.
Linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who is out with a torn pectoral muscle, is in Alabama meeting with Dr. James Andrews to determine whether or not surgery is needed for his injury.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has some soreness in his ribs, and will not practice Wednesday, Mora said, but he should be back practicing Thursday and be fine for Sunday’s game.
“He’s in no jeopardy of missing this game,” Mora said.
In more positive injury news, Mora said both Marcus Trufant and Leroy Hill will play Sunday. The most likely scenario is that Trufant won’t start, but play in passing situations, and that Hill will start, but will mostly play on first and second downs.
Defensive end Patrick Kerney isn’t going to practice Wednesday, but will play Sunday, Mora said.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog.
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