Signed, Sealed… Delivery Of Walter Jones To Camp Gives Seahawks Complete Roster

Seattle Seahawks veterans initiated rookie Walter Jones on Wednesday, just as they did with Shawn Springs on Monday.

Jones was taped to a blocking dummy, doused with ice water and pushed gently to the ground.

There was one subtle modification from Springs’ hazing. Jones has yet to be asked to sing at lunch.

“They don’t want my fight song,” said the 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive tackle from Florida State, “because I know there are a lot of Miami guys here.”

With Jones’ arrival, the Seahawks finally have their full complement of players, three weeks into training camp at Eastern Washington University.

Veteran defensive lineman Marc Spindler, injured most of camp, was released to keep Seattle at the roster limit and for $275,000 of salary cap relief.

Another player’s contract was restructured to coax Seattle under the cap, vice president Randy Mueller said. He declined to identify the player.

Jones “was a little bit out of shape and he’s struggling with some of the terminology,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “I had a chance to watch him a little bit. Physically, he’s got all the tools it takes.

“It’s just going to take him some time to get into condition and get the feel of what we’re doing.”

Defensive end Martin Harrison, a seven-year NFL veteran, went against Jones in one-on-one drills and came away impressed. On the first play, Jones walled off Harrison on an outside rush. On the next snap, Harrison juked outside and beat Jones to the middle.

Later, the two squared off and Harrison noticed Jones had made an adjustment.

“He was sitting back a little bit. If you jump out on a defensive end it’s either feast or famine, and that’s not something you can make a living doing,” Harrison said. “He doesn’t come off as being a rookie and that’s a nice compliment. He seems to have a good feel for the game.”

Jones will play Saturday against San Francisco. He was in extra meetings on Wednesday with his position coach, and his linemates were quick to offer pointers during practice.

“A lot of guys were talking to me and telling me what to do,” Jones said. “There’s no animosity (over his holdout) because everybody has the same goal to win this year.”

Jones’ quick consumption of the blocking schemes is vital toward reaching that goal.

“I know coming in as high as I was picked they’re looking forward to me helping out,” said Jones, who appears to have a frame easily capable of adding another 25 pounds. “I’m looking forward (to Saturday) to see where I’m at.”

No doubt it’ll be better than being taped to a blocking dummy.

McKnight’s day

Fourth-year receiver James McKnight was back at practice after an extended hiatus due to a bothersome hamstring.

“He ran really well and he worked out with the special teams in the morning,” Erickson said. “He looked like he’s in good shape.”

McKnight likely will be Seattle’s fourth or fifth receiver. He caught one pass last season, a 73-yarder against Detroit.

Camp sights

Competition seemed to bring out the best in cornerback Shawn Springs and receiver Mike Pritchard.

In the span of about 5 minutes, Pritchard caught a TD pass, only to get knocked on his duff at the line by Springs on the next play.

Pritchard then hauled in another TD, punctuated with a spike. The two exchanged high-fives seconds later… .

Seattle’s first and third teams posted field goals in a 2-minute offense drill.

The second team’s possession ended when Warren Moon’s pass deflected off tight end Deems May to defensive back C.J. Richardson… .

The Seahawks practice at 3 today.

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