Usually during his weekly Wednesday press conference, Seahawks coach Jim Mora delivers the most important news about his players current injuries right away, to get it out of the way. He often delivers this news with a combination of purposeful generalities and unflinching optimism.
But he doesnt offer much in the way of specifics.
So early in the press conference this week he brought up the status of all-everything offensive tackle Walter Jones, having been asked if Jones had suffered a setback in his recovery from arthroscopic surgery in August.
He hasnt, he hasnt, Mora said. As a matter of fact, hes doing well, but I had a long talk with Walt Monday evening, actually, and he still has some pain in that knee. Were going to give him a couple days of rest this week. Once again, I dont want to characterize it as a setback because its not. I think its really just more of the process of rehabilitation.
Jones had practiced last week, but he looked winded and only participated on a limited basis. And after those few practices, it was clear Jones wasnt progressing as fast as expected.
Still, Mora seemed somewhat optimistic about Jones, or at least he tried to be. However, later in the press conference, the issue of Jones arose again and Mora was asked if he held concerns that he may not see Jones on the field this season, or does he believe that Jones will make it back out there for the game on Sunday?
I hope so, he said. Its just ...
And then Mora paused.
You know, I hope so, he said, quietly. I dont know. I mean I cant tell you that the thought doesnt cross your mind.
And then, as if almost to reassure himself, Mora continued to discuss this situation.
But I think we have to give him some time, he said. I think hes earned that. Hes had a distinguished career. Hes exhibited toughness his whole career. No one can question his commitment to this game, its really beyond reproach.
We just have to be patient and let him work through this, and then make the best decision for the team when we feel its necessary. Right now we feel the best thing to do is keep working, keep pushing, push a little, back off a little and listen to Walter because nobody knows how he feels but him.
In the simplest terms, it doesnt appear that Jones will be appearing in a game any time soon. If he cant make it through a practice with limited reps without experiencing pain, there s no way he can play in a game.
Also, conditioning is factor. Jones is nowhere near game shape and is probably carrying about 20 pounds over his playing weight. But because the knee has limited his conditioning and will continue to do so, it will be tough to drop the weight.
Will Jones return this season? Mora seems to hope so, but even he admittedly has his moments of doubt.
We know that Walt has medical limitations that we have to try to overcome, but we just feel like its in the best interest of Walter to give him a little rest here, Mora said. Hes been working really hard, so were hopeful that its a positive outcome, like I said its not a medical setback by any means.
Hasselbeck out another week
While Jones appears to be out indefinitely, the prognosis on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is a little more positive, but not good enough for him to be ready to play Sunday in Indianapolis.
The holdup quite simply with Matt is that he cant run yet, Mora said. When he takes deep breaths, there is pain. As soon as he moves through that, well start moving working him back in there.
With Hasselbeck out, it means Seneca Wallace will make his second straight start. Mora liked certain aspects of Wallaces play last Sundays loss to Chicago but also looks for improvement in decision making.
One of the things Seneca gives you is the ability to really stay alive and keep a play going because of his legs, Mora said. Thats a real positive, but at the same time youve got to manage it because we are light at the quarterback position. So you cant design everything for him to get out of the pocket and run because really we cant afford to have something happen where we lose him because of that.
Other injury news
Despite Jones and Hasselbeck being out, the Seahawks had some good injury news as cornerback Josh Wilson (high ankle sprain) practiced on a limited basis and linebacker Lofa Tatupu (sprained hamstring) practiced fully.
Wilson is back about a week or two ahead of schedule. And with the Seahawks facing the Colts having Wilson back could be a major plus.
Hes really coming along well and thats a positive, Mora said. We can certainly use him again.
Tatupu is practicing on what Mora called go as able, meaning he will do what he can, but is expected to be ready for Sunday.
Rob Sims (oblique), Jordan Babineaux (neck), Justin Griffith (knee) and Brandon Frye (groin) did not practice on Tuesday. Babineaux and Frye are expected to be back on Sunday.
Rankin returns
The Seahawks made a few practice squad transactions. Seattle re-signed offensive linemen NaShon Goddard and Brian De La Puente to the practice squad along with former UW running back Louis Rankin, who was the Oakland Raiders in the exhibition season.
I love it, Rankin said. I love the environment. I just got a good feel for everything theyre doing and everything theyre about.
The two linemen were needed because of the massive injuries to the offensive front. At times on Wednesday, the Seahawks had to use defensive linemen Red Bryant and Michael Bennett as scout team offensive linemen.
To make room, they dropped wide receiver Logan Payne, running back Devin Moore and linebacker Thomas Williams.
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