Renton – It’s probably not the homecoming he hoped for, but Seattle Seahawks running back Edgerrin James is returning to Indianapolis as a player for the first time since the franchise chose not to re-sign him as an unrestricted free agent in 2005.

James was signed by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for three seasons – including the Cardinals’ Super Bowl appearance to end last season – before asking for and eventually receiving his release in April.

James said he still talks with several players in the Colts organization, including quarterback Peyton Manning, whom he considers a good friend. However, James said he does not look at the trip back to Indianapolis through nostalgic eyes.

“Nah,” James said. “It’s been four years, so that’s the thing. And it’s not the RCA Dome no more. It’s something different.”

James was at his peak in Indianapolis, where in seven season with the Colts he averaged 1,318 rushing yards, 51 receptions and nearly 11 touchdowns a year.

He said he harbors no ill will against the franchise for not bringing him back. Actually, he received a Super Bowl ring from the Colts when they won it after the 2006 season.

“I understand the business aspect of this game,” James said. “And you know there’s going to come a point in time where a lot of people are going to move on. There’s only a few people that are going to actually be in one system forever. And that’s rare, especially nowadays.”

James has yet to get on track in Seattle. In a limited amount of work, he has rushed 17 times for 45 yards, an average of 2.5 yards per carry.

James said he needs to be patient.

“I understand that I got here late, so I can’t expect to just jump in and get to rolling,” he said. “I have to wait my turn, and things will work out. Things always work out for me, so it’s going to get better and better.”

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora agrees.

“Like I’ve said all along with regards to the running backs, we like them all; and the guy that gets hot, you’re going to keep feeding him,” Mora said. “We typically have a plan to get Edgerrin in there in the third series of the game, and sometimes that series gets extended and sometimes it doesn’t, so that sometimes affects his carries, his touches.”

Huskies, Irish talk smack

With four former Washington Huskies and three University of Notre Dame products in the Seahawks’ locker room, there’s been a little trash talk leading up to this weekend’s big game between the Fighting Irish and the Huskies in South Bend, Ind.

Although he’s with the Seahawks now, second-year tight end John Carlson still holds the Irish close to his heart. He picks Notre Dame to win by 10 points.

Carlson’s locker is next to the newest member of the Seahawks, running back Louis Rankin. Carlson couldn’t suppress a chuckle when he heard the former Huskies rusher pick Washington to win by two touchdowns. The Irish are 13-point favorites.

And then there’s running back Julius Jones, who said the Midwestern catholic school has its own version of the 12th man.

“We got that,” Jones said about the game. “It will be a good game. But in the end, you can’t bet against God. I don’t know too many people that will do that.”

Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy is predicting a Huskies victory. But more than anything, the Washington product out of Tacoma’s Lincoln High School is pleased to see his alma mater back on the right track after knocking off USC two weeks ago.

“Since I’ve been away from the University of Washington this feels the most like a brotherhood than ever,” Milloy said. “It feels like it used to feel when I was playing, with all of the old guys calling each other, Facebooking and texting each other. And it’s all because of (Washington head coach Steve) Sarkisian and his approach.”

Injury update

Offensive tackle Brandon Frye (groin) returned to practice, although he was a limited participant. The Seahawks are hopeful he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game. cornerbacks Ken Lucas (groin) and Josh Wilson (ankle) and linebacker Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) were limited participants in practice. Safety Jordan Babineaux (shoulder) was a full participant. Fullback Justin Griffith (knee), quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (rib) and offensive guard Rob Sims (oblique) did not practice. Linebacker Leroy Hill (groin) and offensive tackle Sean Locklear (ankle) were out.

Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437

eric.williams@thenewstribune.com

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