Banged-Up Blades Done For Season

Brian Blades’ season of pain came to an abrupt end Tuesday when Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson decided that the veteran wide receiver will not play in the team’s three remaining games.

Blades separated his left shoulder while making a catch against the Houston Oilers a month ago and then returned two weeks later only to crack two ribs. The rib injury was aggravated in Sunday’s loss at Denver, and Blades could barely walk after the game.

“I just felt it was best for him,” Erickson said of the decision. “He was in such pain Sunday after that game, I couldn’t see continuing this way. He can’t practice. He can play. It’s not so much the chance of re-hurting the injuries he has, but there’s always the possibility that something else could happen.”

“Brian agrees with the decision,” Erickson said. “If you leave it up to him, he’s going to want to try it.”