Receivers suddenly plentiful

RENTON – The sight of Matt Hasselbeck surrounded by four wide receivers, talking strategy during a down moment at Monday’s practice, was a welcome one for the Seattle Seahawks.

What was encouraging seeing him chatting with Keary Colbert, Billy McMullen, Deion Branch and Bobby Engram was that Hasselbeck actually had four receivers with whom to speak.

“This week is a lot easier than previous weeks,” Hasselbeck said after a 70-minute practice.

Branch and Engram spent Monday working with the first team, signaling that both will probably make their season debuts when the Seahawks face the New York Giants on Sunday.

Koren Robinson, who has yet to play while he gets into shape, is also likely to be available.

And so the Seahawks, who have spent most of the year trying to patch together a receiving corps, may well be presented with the pleasant problem of having too many.

“Right now we have an influx of guys,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “We have, probably, too many. I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true.”

The most anticipated Monday return, of course, was Engram. He hadn’t participated in an official practice since early August because of a cracked shoulder bone the veteran suffered in the preseason opener.

Engram showed signs of rust, but the fact he was out there was a welcome sight.

As for how much Engram can play Sunday, Holmgren is still trying to work that all out.

“While he can do some stuff, you really don’t know until he gets hit,” Holmgren said. “The problem with Bobby is he wants to play, and might not be totally honest with me. I hope he is (ready), but he might not be.”

Branch, meanwhile, had been practicing for nearly a month but had not worked exclusively with the No. 1 offense.

After the session, Branch proclaimed himself ready to return to the field for a game.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”

Branch underwent surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament in February, but said he is not concerned about doing any further damage to the knee.

Holmgren said Branch will probably be eased back, playing a limited number of snaps.

The role of Robinson is less clear with Engram and Branch likely to be back, and McMullen and Colbert coming off solid performances.

“Anything I can do to help,” said Robinson, who was signed two weeks ago. “That’s my role. I’m here to help. Whether I play five snaps or 50, I’m willing.”