Hasselbeck could return to lineup
ERIC D. WILLIAMS; The News Tribune
Renton – After three consecutive losses, Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora is looking for some good news.
He could get some Wednesday.
Starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who’s been out since suffering a fractured rib after taking a violent hit from San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis on Sept. 20, is scheduled to practice Wednesday, Mora said.
The 34-year-old quarterback missed the past two games, both losses for Seattle.
“I think if he can do some things, that will give him a little more confidence,” Mora said. “And then if he can do a little bit more Thursday, a little bit more Friday and hopefully be ready to go Sunday. But we just have to see.”
Seattle’s offense struggled without its leader, averaging 15.3 points a game in Hasselbeck’s absence.
Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace’s play has been uneven. He’s 74-for-112 passing (66.1 percent) for 645 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions since taking over for Hasselbeck, an 82.6 passer rating.
Wallace fumbled twice against Indianapolis on Sunday, one of which led to a Colts’ field goal
But Wallace’s struggles are connected to a thin offensive line, with starters Sean Locklear and Walter Jones both out during that period, along with offensive guard Rob Sims missing long stretches.
Mora said Hasselbeck’s return would help bring some swagger back to the offense.
“He’s a guy who plays with a lot of confidence,” Mora said. “When Matt plays at his best, this offense is rolling. It’s tempo. It’s upbeat, and the defense is having trouble catching up. If Matt’s out there playing I think you’ll see that right away from him, because he understands what the stakes are, how high they are.”
Asked whether or not Hasselbeck’s fractured rib is healed, Mora said, “I think it’s healed to the point where he can attempt to play through the pain.”
Mora went on to say an issue for Hasselbeck is his ability to run and take deep breaths, saying he’s made progress in those areas.
Hasselbeck did some light running before the game at Indianapolis.
Mora said if Hasselbeck does play against Jacksonville on Sunday, even with the patchwork offensive line, the Seahawks will not shrink the playbook.
“What we do have to do is we have to make sure we take care of the edge,” Mora said. “We don’t have to limit what we do, but we have to be certain of what we do. We have to make sure that we don’t give a short corner to the defensive end to get to him.”
However, with some uncertainty as to who will start Sunday, it will be a little tougher for Jacksonville to plan, Mora said.
“It’s a little harder to plan, just because Seneca and Matt have some different strengths,” Mora said. “But that’s just something we have to manage. He’s our starting quarterback. And if we can have him back on the field on Sunday, then we’re going to do what it takes to make sure we give him the best possible chance to succeed.”
Extra points
Along with Hasselbeck, cornerback
Josh Wilson (ankle) should return to action this week. However, Mora had some bad news concerning guard Sims, who suffered a sprained left ankle and could miss a couple games. Mora also said defensive end
Patrick Kerney suffered a strained groin and is doubtful for Sunday. … Mora said linebacker
Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) and tackle
Brandon Frye (groin) made it through the Colts game and should be in better shape for this week’s game against Jacksonville. … Mora said he does not know the plan going forward for tackle Jones. Mora gave Jones last week off after pain returned to his knee when he exerted too much in an attempt to get himself game ready a few weeks ago.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437
eric.williams@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
