Caution sign out for QB
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck continued to ease his way back into playing shape Friday, throwing a few passes while taking part in the first minicamp practice on a limited basis.
“I felt good,” said Hasselbeck, who is recovering from January surgery to repair a torn labrum on his non-throwing shoulder. “I’m not really in competitive shape, but the shoulder that I had surgery on feels great, so it was a success.”
While Hasselbeck’s rehabilitation has gone ahead of schedule, coach Mike Holmgren said that the team does not want to put him in harm’s way.
“He is not participating in any team things or anything that would test his left shoulder at all, even handing the ball off,” Holmgren said. “But he can throw the ball. He was a little rusty (Friday), but he can do those things. That helps.”
While Hasselbeck is limited, Seneca Wallace and David Greene will get most of the repetitions during the current three-day camp, as well as the veteran passing camp that runs Monday through Thursday.
Hasselbeck said he wouldn’t mind seeing a little more action, but he understands why he’s being eased back into things.
“I’m ready,” he said. “If they want to call my number, I’m ready. But they’re giving a lot of snaps to Seneca and David right now. I just have to keep improving and getting into playing shape to hopefully get my number called.”
Hasselbeck added that, more than the injury, he’s still trying to get his wind back.
The best way to do that would be to get back on the field.
“It’s not too difficult right now,” he said. “I’m wearing that big, red jersey, and nobody’s allowed to touch me, so it’s not like I’m putting myself in harm’s way.
“But we have some guys at new positions, so it would be nice to get out there and throw a few balls.”
Hawks wish Jackson well
The first practice of the season was remarkably similar to so many previous sessions. Darrell Jackson was not participating, as had often been the case because of injuries, surgeries or hurt feelings.
The difference this time is that Jackson won’t be coming back.
When the Seahawks opened their first minicamp, they did so without one of the most productive receivers in franchise history. Having dealt Jackson to San Francisco five days earlier, the Seahawks were ready to turn the page.
“I wish him the best,” said Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram, who was Jackson’s closest friend on the team. “But we’ve got a lot of playmakers here, and we’re going to be fine.”
While Engram will continue in his role playing in the slot after recovering from a thyroid condition, Jackson’s departure has sent the other receivers into new roles.
Deion Branch has moved from split end to Jackson’s flanker position, while D.J. Hackett and Nate Burleson will compete for the starting spot at split end.
Notes
The Seahawks invited kicker Tyler Jones (Boise State), quarterback Derek Devine (Marshall), running back Joe Rubin (Portland State), linebacker Marcus Rucker (Rice) and long snapper Matt Overton (Western Washington) to participate in this weekend’s camp on a tryout basis. … Based solely on size, the punter brought in to challenge incumbent Ryan Plackemeier does not measure up. Boise State rookie Kyle Stringer is listed at 5-foot-8, 194 pounds, which makes him 7 inches shorter and 54 pounds lighter than Plackemeier.