Injuries Complicate Offensive Line
Survival has been the code of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line throughout training camp. Blockers just want to survive until the regular season.
Seahawks tackle Rich Baldinger couldn’t survive pregame warm-ups Sunday before the 24-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. Baldinger, 35, pulled or tore a calf muscle, leaving the Seahawks with only three semi-healthy tackles for the exhibition game.
The injury couldn’t come at a worse time for Baldinger and the Seahawks. By 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Seahawks must cut 12 players. Baldinger needed the playing time to try to unseat Mike Keim for a backup tackle spot.
For the Seahawks’ coaches, it left them wondering. They know left tackle Ray Roberts is out four to five more weeks, recovering from his fourth ankle operation in eight months. They also know right tackle Howard Ballard is playing with a right knee that will require surgery after the season.
Ballard played a half. Keim, who was supposed to replace James Atkins at left tackle after the intermission, played right tackle during the second half. Atkins and guard Jeff Blackshear filled the left side of the offensive line for the entire game.
Cutdowns loom
Nine of the 12 players who could be released today or Tuesday might be undrafted rookie free agents. Four of those who didn’t play Sunday probably are expecting the worst.
They are quarterback Joe Pickens, cornerback Chad Wilson, center Bryan Heath and guard Kris Pollack. Another undrafted free agent, kicker Judd Davis, also must feel shaky.
Todd Peterson made the Seahawks’ only field goal attempt Sunday - a 30-yarder that bounced through off an upright. Davis handled kickoffs late in the game.
Defensive tackle Henry McMillian helped his chances of making the team. He broke up a two-point conversion attempt by breaking through the Saints’ offensive line in the fourth quarter. He also had two tackles and a forced fumble.
Fourth-round draft choice Jason Kyle enhanced his chances of making the team by leading all tacklers with seven (four tackles and three assists). Kyle played only in the second half. He is in an intense battle with free agent Michael Barber for the last linebacking job on the roster.
Notes
Even though he won a national title for the University of Miami in the Superdome, Erickson was introduced as “Dennis Eckerson.”
Brian Blades played a couple of series and didn’t catch a pass.
Free safety Eugene Robinson played two series. He has been bothered by a heel problem.
The Seahawks used linebackers David Brandon and Terry Wooden for a few plays as pass-rushing defensive ends.