RENTON – For the first time this season, the Seattle Seahawks could be without a key player in one of the team’s most effective units.
Defensive tackle Alan Branch did not practice this week because of an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game against Washington. He is a game-time decision.
With Branch’s availability in doubt, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said second-year pro Clinton McDonald would get the nod if Branch can’t go.
Defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, along with Branch and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, have started all 10 games for Seattle this season and created one of the best run-stuffing defensive fronts in the NFL.
The Seahawks allow just 100 yards a game on the ground, eighth in the league.
Seattle received McDonald from Cincinnati in a trade for cornerback Kelly Jennings. In 10 games this season, the former University of Memphis player has 20 tackles and a fumble recovery.
“Mac’s (McDonald) done a really good job,” Carroll said. “He’s been able to jump in here and play a couple of positions and help us in nickel (situations). And he’s a very tough guy. He’s a really good effort guy, and he’s always where he’s supposed to be, so we feel like we can really count on him.”
At 6-foot-2, 300 pounds, McDonald offers Seattle versatility because he’s stout enough to back up Mebane at nose tackle and quick enough to fill-in for Branch as the pass-rushing defensive tackle.
McDonald said he’s looks forward to a chance for more playing time, and is just trying to continue the high demands set by his teammates.
“Those guys have been great examples and have set the standard for me to come in and make plays,” McDonald said. “To watch what they do and the kind of effect that they have on the game, coming in I feel like I can make somewhat of an impact following their lead.”
Rookie cornerback Byron Maxwell also did not practice this week because of an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday.
But Seattle did get some good news regarding big-play receiver Sidney Rice. He returned to practice Friday and was a full participant after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. He is probable for Sunday.
“Sidney did fine today,” Carroll said. “We had to rest him a little bit, but he did very well today. He’s ready to go.”
Receiver Ben Obomanu (knee/ankle), safety Atari Bigby (hamstring) and defensive end Anthony Hargrove (hamstring) were full participants in practice and are probable for Sunday.
The one surprise Friday was starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who was a full participant for a second consecutive day.
Jackson had been taking it easier on Fridays to rest his strained pectoral muscle since suffering the injury against the New York Giants in Week 5.
But Carroll said Jackson felt good Friday and took most of the reps with the first unit – the first time in a month he has practiced fully on a Friday.
Carroll said he believes the extra reps can only help Jackson play with more polish Sunday.
“I can see that he needs it,” Carroll said. “He needs the work. He was a little bit rusty this week … and it only stands to reason – he had so few days on the practice field.
“So the fact he got out there today and got a whole boatload of plays and looks at stuff in the red zone and all that, that he didn’t get last week, it should help him.”
EXTRA POINTS
Former Seahawks coach Jim Mora attended practice Friday and watched from the sideline – the first time he’s been out on the field at Seahawks headquarters since the team let him go two years ago. Mora will be the analyst for Sunday’s telecast of the Seattle-Washington game on Fox. ... For Washington, receiver Niles Paul (toe) and receiver Donte Stallworth (foot) are questionable. Linebacker London Fletcher (ankle), offensive tackle Jammal Brown (groin), safety DeJon Gomes (knee), offensive guard Maurice Hurt (knee), former Seahawks offensive tackle Sean Locklear (ankle), offensive tackle Trent Williams (knee), ex-Seattle cornerback Josh Wilson (hamstring), linebacker Keyaron Fox (infection), safety LaRon Landry (Achilles) and receiver Santana Moss (hand) are all probable.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 eric.wiliams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
SUNDAY
Washington (3-7) at Seattle (4-6), 1:05 p.m., Ch. 13, 97.3-FM, 710-AM
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