Possibility Jackson could start for Seahawks on Sunday
RENTON, Wash. – The injury report says quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is questionable with a strained pectoral muscle.
His status didn’t sound nearly so uncertain after he took part in Friday’s practice, throwing extensively for the first time in five days.
“That’s a very good sign,” coach Pete Carroll said of Jackson. “He felt the best and he got the most work and so we’ll see what happens.”
Jackson’s status will come down to a game-time decision, but he said Friday was the best he has felt since suffering the injury in the third quarter at the New York Giants on Oct. 9.
“I put a little more mustard on the ball,” Jackson said, “just playing catch. It will be interesting to see exactly how I feel after doing that. I don’t think it will have an effect or have a setback after throwing. I think it should be fine, but I guess we’ll see.”
Jackson was on the field for practice Wednesday and Thursday, but did not participate in throwing drills, leaving backup Charlie Whitehurst to work with the first-unit offense.
That changed Friday when Jackson did more at practice.
“He’s got a little strut in his step trying to get out there and wing the ball around some,” Carroll said. “So it’s good in all directions.”
No one made any definitive statements about whether Jackson would start or if Whitehurst subs for Jackson for the second week in a row, but Jackson is certainly going to be a consideration.
There’s even less doubt about the other three starters who missed last week’s game because of injury. Tight end Zach Miller (concussion), center Max Unger (foot) and running back Marshawn Lynch are all listed as probable, which means there’s a near certainty they will be available for normal duty. Safeties Atari Bigby (hamstring) and Jeron Johnson (foot), who sat out practice Thursday, are also probable.
For the Bengals, linebacker Rey Maualuga is out with an ankle injury while Adam “Pac-Man” Jones was activated to the 53-man roster, but is questionable.
The big question is Jackson, who had the Seahawks’ offense on an upward trend over the first five games until he was injured on a quarterback option run. Whitehurst kept Seattle’s offense humming in New York, but any progress the Seahawks made ground to a halt last week in Cleveland.
The Seahawks had one red-zone possession, scored only a field goal and finished with their lowest net yardage total in two years. On Sunday, the Seahawks play the Bengals, who have a defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards in the league.
Jackson warmed up before last week’s game in Cleveland, and Carroll said the quarterback was close to being available. Jackson has continued in his recovery, and he said Friday’s practice gave coaches a chance to view his progress.
Jackson said the issue is whether he can make all the throws he needs to, and if he is available to play, he won’t be limited to the underneath passing game.