Indianapolis – Ask T.J. Houshmandzadeh how many times he was open, and he’ll tell you in no uncertain terms: pretty much every play.

“I’m going to get open all the time, for the most part,” Houshmandzadeh said. “I might have been covered one time today – a linebacker undercut me something, and I got by him. For the most part, I’m always open,”

When Houshmandzadeh signed a five-year, $40 million deal to leave Cincinnati and join the Seahawks, he had visions of an NFC playoff run and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck delivering pinpoint passes to him in the seams of an opponent’s defense.

Instead, he finds himself on a 1-3 squad, with backup Seneca Wallace operating behind a makeshift offensive line trying to buy enough time to get the ball to Houshmandzadeh and the rest of Seattle’s talented receivers.

Houshmandzadeh finished Sunday’s 34-17 loss to Indianapolis with his first 100-yard receiving day for the Seahawks, totaling 103 yards on eight catches, including a long of 20 yards. Through four games, Houshmandzadeh has yet to find the end zone, totaling 22 catches for 248 yards, an average of 12.9 yards a reception.

He’s been demonstrative at times in expressing his frustration when the ball hasn’t been thrown to him when he feels he’s open.

Asked about his role in the offense, Houshmandzadeh said, “I would say it’s evolving. I’ll leave it at that.”

But as far as season goals go, the confident receiver isn’t ready to give up yet.

“Obviously guys are down,” Houshmandzadeh said. “But I said earlier, I know me. And excuse my language. Y’all can print this or not, but ain’t no (wimp) in me. I’m not going to quit. I wouldn’t have made it to this point, and I don’t think anybody in this locker room would have gone this far in their career if you’re going to quit.

“It’s a long season. We’re 1-3. All right. Cool. We can win next week, 2-3. The next week after that and we’re 3-3, and you’re right back in it. That’s how you have to look at it.”

Indy welcomes James

Seahawks running back Edgerrin James returned to Indianapolis for the first time since leaving the Colts in 2005.

The Colts acknowledged James with a video tribute that finished with a close-up of James sitting on Seattle’s bench, with the words “See you in the Colts Ring of Honor” flashing across the video screen.

“That was sweet,” James said of the tribute. “A lot of the guys on this team didn’t know I could move like that. It was real nice, real thoughtful. That’s why this is one of the best organizations in the entire NFL.”

James stood up and waved to the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium, receiving a standing ovation. The crowd also cheered every time James touched the ball. He finished with 16 yards on four carries.

James played his first seven seasons in the league in Indianapolis, earning four Pro Bowl trips and averaging 1,318 rushing yards, 51 receptions and nearly 11 touchdowns a season.

“It’s all a business, you understand it’s a business and you don’t worry about that,” James said. “I’m still friends with everybody. It was fun. Wished I played a little bit more.”

Extra points

Seahawks coach Jim Mora said offensive lineman Rob Sims left the game with a left ankle sprain and will have an exam today to determine the extent of the injury. Mora said defensive end Patrick Kerney suffered a groin strain in the second half. Kerney did not return. … Players sported pink shoes, pink wristbands and pink towels and clothing items as part of the league’s show of support in the fight against breast cancer. … Hasselbeck (rib), Jones (knee), cornerback Josh Wilson (ankle), offensive tackle Sean Locklear (ankle), linebacker Leroy Hill (groin), tight end Cameron Morrah, defensive lineman Michael Bennett and defensive tackle Red Bryant were on Seattle’s inactive list for the game.

The News Tribune’s Todd Milles contributed to this report