Center on field

RENTON, Wash. – With preseason almost finished, Seattle Seahawks starting center Chris Spencer is glad to be back practicing after being sidelined with shoulder and thumb injuries – and then back pain that forced him off the field on the first day of training camp.

“It feels really good to be back out,” Spencer said Saturday, adding he needs to “work through some kinks here and there,” such as timing and rhythm.

With practice-squad guard Steve Vallos filling in at center all preseason, head coach Mike Holmgren was glad to see Spencer back, but said he would probably not play Monday against the San Diego Chargers.

The former first-round pick will likely play in the Seahawks’ final preseason game, Friday against the Oakland Raiders.

“There’s two ways to look at it,” Holmgren said. “One, he’s feeling better, and I want him to feel good for the opener.

“But then, the other side of the coin is he hasn’t really played a competitive down. He probably has to do that – so, just how much he does, I’ll have to wait and see.”

Holmgren likes to play his veterans into the second half in the third exhibition game. But the coach said that won’t happen Monday because the roster is too thinned by injuries to veterans, prompting the need for longer looks at younger players.

Jackson battles Tapp

One close fight for a starting job is at right defensive end.

Holmgren advised one shouldn’t read too much into rookie first-round pick Lawrence Jackson starting for the second consecutive time over Darryl Tapp Monday against the Chargers – or if it comes to it, the opener Sept. 7 at Buffalo.

“First of all, our rotation with seven or eight defensive linemen, that’s how we like to play the game,” Holmgren said. “We’re at a good position at defensive end and I think we have good depth. But it is a competition.”

Forsett makes his case

With preseason almost wrapped up, who will be the Seahawks’ wide receivers remains unresolved.

Rookie Justin Forsett has looked impressive this preseason, but at 5-foot-6, his size is a potential liability.

He is doing what he can to show the team he can run, catch and block, the former seventh-round pick said. He added, “Hopefully, they can see past my size.”

Going into the end of preseason, Forsett said he is playing as hard as he can for a spot on the Seahawks.

“You never know when it’s going to be your last play,” Forsett said.

Holmgren said he will use Monday’s game to help narrow down the wide receiver position.