| Wide receiver Golden Tate (knee), who sat out the Seahawks opener against Arizona, returned to practice Wednesday. (US Presswire) |
One month and two days after undergoing minor elbow surgery, it looks like John Moffitt is finally healthy enough to return to the Seahawks starting lineup. Coach Pete Carroll announced Wednesday that if Moffitt makes it through practice this week with no problems, he will start at right guard in Sunday's home opener against the Dallas Cowboys (1-0).
Moffitt wasn't activated for the Seahawks' 20-16 loss to Arizona on Sunday; 2012 seventh-round draft pick J.R. Sweezy started in his place. "He was almost there last week," Carroll said of Moffitt. "And if he makes through the week solid and healthy, then we'll get a chance to see John come back for us, which would be great."
Despite Moffitt getting the start, Carroll said he expects Sweezy to see playing time, too.
While Moffitt will start at right guard, the team also received good news at left guard Wednesday. James Carpenter returned to practice for the first time since tearing his ACL last November. Carpenter, who played right tackle last season, spent Wednesday's practice taking snaps at left guard, the Tacoma News Tribune reported.
WR Tate practices: Wide receiver Golden Tate (knee) missed Sunday's game at Arizona, however, he was healthy enough to practice Wednesday. Tate sprained his knee returning a punt on Aug. 30 in the Seahawks' preseason finale against Oakland. Although Tate is practicing, Carroll wouldn't commit to him playing Sunday against the Cowboys. "He's got to make it through the week and show us he can do all the things he needs to do," Carroll said. "He'll get some limited work today, then step it up tomorrow."
One receiver short: After bruising his lung against Arizona on Sunday, wide receiver Charly Martin has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Dallas. The Seahawks didn't add a receiver to the roster this week, which means they'll go into Sunday's game with only five receivers. That number not only includes Tate, but it also includes Sidney Rice (knee), who didn't practice Wednesday.
Okung sits out practice: Left tackle Russell Okung, who suffered a bruised knee late in the fourth quarter against Arizona on Sunday, did not practice Wednesday. If Okung can't go Sunday, Frank Omiyale will start in his place. "We're going to wait until [Thursday] and check him again," Carroll said of Okung. "He's planning on playing. We're planning that he'll get back."
Pearly whites for Baldwin: Wide receiver Doug Baldwin took some heat nationally for missing a Russell Wilson fourth quarter pass in the end zone on the Seahawks final drive Sunday, but it turns out there was a legitimate excuse for the drop: Baldwin's two front teeth were knocked loose when he hit the ground after diving for the ball. The oral injury required Baldwin to undergo dental work on Tuesday. "His smile looks remarkable," Carroll said. "A couple of days ago, he looked like a sawtooth guy." Baldwin practiced Wednesday and is expected to play against Dallas.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Seahawks blogger John Breech follow @JohnBreech and @CBSSportsNFLSEA.