RENTON – The Seattle Seahawks likely will be without one of their best pass rushers when they face the Detroit Lions – one of the top passing attacks in the NFL – on Sunday.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday that defensive tackle Jason Jones, who is third on the team with 2.5 sacks this season, is doubtful for the game at Detroit because of an ankle injury.
Jones did not practice at all this week, but Carroll said he will make the trip to Detroit with the rest of the team.
The game is a homecoming of sorts for Jones, who grew up just outside the Motor City in Southfield, Mich. If Jones can’t play, rookie defensive lineman Greg Scruggs likely will be used more in passing situations.
“They’re a different style,” Carroll said, when asked if Jones and Scruggs have similar skills. “J.J. (Jones) just has a whole way about him. He’s so long, and he’s got that kind of slither about him.
“Scruggs is a little more classic – but Scruggs is a better pass rusher than we thought. We didn’t know that he would have the creativity that he has. So he has a chance to be a real good player for us.”
Starting defensive tackle Alan Branch also could play more downs in passing situations. Like Jones, the trip to Detroit is a return to Branch’s roots. He played at the University of Michigan, and both of his parents are Detroit natives.
Whoever plays inside at defensive tackle, that player will have to help Seattle get after Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions are second in the league in average passing attempts per game (44), and are second in the league in passing yards a game (306.7).
However, Stafford’s overall numbers are way down from 2011, when he threw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. Stafford has thrown for five touchdowns and six interceptions this season through six games.
So it’s important for Seattle to generate a consistent pass rush against the Lions to disrupt Stafford’s timing.
Offensive lineman John Moffitt (knee) made it through practice this week but was listed as questionable for Sunday. And even if Moffitt is available, Carroll said he’ll be used more as a reserve and not as a starter.
Carroll said that receiver Doug Baldwin (ankle) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (hamstring) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Running back Marshawn Lynch (back) is probable for Sunday.
CARPENTER HONORED
Carroll announced on Friday that offensive lineman James Carpenter is this year’s Seattle recipient of the Ed Block courage award, an honor voted by teammates that goes to the player who best exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.
Carpenter won the award for his diligence in rehabbing from a torn ACL in his knee that cut short his 2011 season.
“James had a terrible injury,” Carroll said. “One that we couldn’t predict how long it would take him to get back – we thought it was going to be quite a bit longer rehab. He struggled a long time early in his rehab to get going, but once he turned the corner, he just flew through it and shocked us with his ability to get back.”
Defensive end Red Bryant received the award in 2011 for his comeback from a severe knee injury.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 eric.williams@ thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks @eric_d_williams
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