Seahawks Release 10, Open Up Starting Left Guard Job

The Seattle Seahawks trimmed their roster by 10 players Monday, but they added one more starting job open for competition.

Dissatisfied with Jeff Blackshear’s blocking during Sunday’s 24-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, coach Dennis Erickson plans to let versatile backup Matt Joyce take a run at the left guard position. Erickson said right guard Kevin Mawae will play a little at center to give rookie free agent Donald Willis some time at right guard this week.

The Seahawks roster sat at 62 following the release of seventh-round choice Keif Bryant, veteran safety Del Speer and eight undrafted free agents. Two more players must be released by 1 p.m. today. Prime candidates include a wide receiver, a defensive back and possibly a kicker.

The eight free agents released were defensive tackle Ernest Allen, halfback Kelvin Anderson, center Bryan Heath, tight end James McKeehan, quarterback Joe Pickens, guard Kris Pollack, cornerback Chad Wilson and wide receiver Manley Woods.

Todd Peterson has virtually won the place-kicking job against Judd Davis with a 3-for-3 showing on field goals and long, consistent kickoffs.

An ankle injury to wide receiver Terrence Warren could delay a decision at wide receiver, where eight players fit into six roster spots. Warren is competing against Michael Bates and Ronnie Harris for the sixth and final job.