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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Morris moves ahead


Associated Press Six-year pro Maurice Morris, filling in for Shaun Alexander, rushed for 89 yards during Monday's win over San Francisco.
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Gregg Bell Associated Press

KIRKLAND, Wash. – If this is not the end of the Shaun Alexander era in Seattle, it at least may be time for a new, sharing phase.

Ever since Ricky Watters arrived to be the Seahawks’ featured back in 1998, the Seahawks have based their running game primarily upon one player, with only situational substitutions or injury fill-ins.

Times are changing.

Alexander was out of another practice Wednesday with the sprained knee that caused him to miss the first game of his stalled season Monday night. The 2005 league MVP was in a blue sweat suit standing next to running backs coach Stump Mitchell and watching backup Maurice Morris with the starting offense, as the Seahawks (5-4) prepared for Sunday’s home game against Chicago (4-5).

The Seahawks hope Alexander can practice Friday. When he tried to test the left knee Saturday before Monday’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers, it did not go well.

“I think it would be really unfair of me to put Shaun back on the field if he wasn’t right,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “That’s the tough thing. A player will tell you, ‘I can play.’ He wants to play. He doesn’t like to watch.”

For now, an offense with an increased emphasis on Matt Hasselbeck’s passing in lieu of an ineffective running game is moving on – with Morris. He gained 89 yards on 28 carries against San Francisco and gave the previously lifeless rushing offense a pulse.

Plus, the six-year backup to Alexander is a better receiver and better pass blocker, especially now that Alexander will be wearing that cast over his broken left wrist for the rest of this season.

Holmgren doesn’t know how he will proceed once Alexander is healthy enough to return.

“We’re not quite there yet,” Holmgren said. “I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do that yet.

“I thought Mo had a good game the other night. More effective? Less effective (than Alexander has been)? I wouldn’t say that, necessarily. I think when Shaun’s healthy, Shaun’s going to be back in playing.

“But I think Mo certainly deserves the chance to play. What I have to figure out is probably a way to use both of them.”