KIRKLAND – The puzzle that is the Seattle Seahawks’ receiving corps added a couple of pieces Friday, but there’s still no semblance of a clear image.
Practice squad players Jerheme Urban and Taco Wallace were added to the active roster and will join Koren Robinson and Jerry Rice as available receivers Sunday against San Francisco. The big question is whether starter Darrell Jackson will be able to play.
He was downgraded from questionable to doubtful on the injury report, yet coach Mike Holmgren believes Jackson might be available.
“Jackson is making good strides,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “So that will be a Sunday decision.”
Jackson is nursing a sprained ankle and has not practiced all week. But he’s expected to make the trip to San Francisco today and be re-evaluated before the game.
Bobby Engram, meanwhile, is not expected to play in the game. He was downgraded from questionable to doubtful on Friday’s injury report due to a sprained ankle that kept him out of the past two games.
To make room for Urban and Wallace, the Seahawks placed Alex Bannister (broken collarbone) and rookie D.J. Hackett (sports hernia) on injured reserve. Both have been lost for the season, including the playoffs.
Urban and Wallace spent most of last season on the practice squad, too, although they both got added to the active roster in December. Neither has caught a pass in a regular season game.
“It’s something I worked hard for,” Urban said, “and I have to make the most of my opportunity.”
“I’ve been waiting for it for a long time,” Wallace said. “Growing up, I always wanted to play, and now I’ve got another chance to play again.”
The Seahawks will have to alter their special teams, as Engram (punt returner) and Bannister (gunner on punt coverage) are key players on that unit. Running back Maurice Morris, who returns kickoffs, was also downgraded to doubtful due to a concussion.
Running back Kerry Carter will likely replace Morris, while cornerback Kris Richard should spell Engram as the punt return man.
Bannister’s spot on punt coverage is expected to be filled by Tracy White, a linebacker with defensive back speed who will join Richard as the outside gunners.
Hutchinson expected to play: Left guard Steve Hutchinson returned to practice Friday and should play against the 49ers, Holmgren said.
He sprained his ankle in last Sunday’s win over Carolina and is listed as questionable for the game.
Also returning to practice was cornerback Bobby Taylor, who missed two practices this week because of a family matter.
The lone defensive player whose playing status seems to be up in the air is starting defensive end Antonio Cochran. The six-year veteran has been battling strep throat, and it was uncertain whether he would be available to play against the 49ers.
The other starting defensive end, Chike Okeafor, missed two days of practice with neck spasms but is expected to play Sunday.
Waiting for No. 2: Tight end Ryan Hannam has a two-year anniversary scheduled for next week.
To commemorate his first NFL catch. And his first NFL touchdown.
It’s also his last NFL catch. And his last NFL touchdown.
Since making a 16-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10, 2002, the Northern Iowa University product hasn’t caught another pass.
“The next catch being the second one of my career, it would be nice,” he said of getting another reception.
Hannam’s chances have increased recently. After spending 11 games on injured reserve last season, he has gradually been worked back into a rotation that also includes Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili. Last Sunday, Hannam got his most extensive playing time of the season.
If he retired today, Hannam would hold an NFL record that could never be broken. With just one reception, he has a perfect touchdown-to-reception rate of 100 percent.
“I might have to be pretty selective on the passes I catch,” he joked. “No, I have a feeling that percentage isn’t going to hold up if I can get in there (on offense) a little more.”
Rattay to start: The 49ers expect quarterback Tim Rattay to start after he practiced the past two days.
Rattay missed last Sunday’s game due to a forearm injury.
Quick slants: Game balls from last Sunday’s win were handed out Friday. They went to Shaun Alexander (offense), Orlando Huff (defense) and White (special teams). … Hackett and Bannister give the Seahawks eight players who have been placed on injured reserve since the preseason. Fullback Chris Davis, quarterback Brock Huard, linebacker D.D. Lewis, safety Arnold Parker, safety Damien Robinson and punter Tom Rouen are also on IR and done for the year.
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