Long-shot Edwards impressive in Seahawks camp
Strong effort on Friday could create spot for veteran receiver
RENTON, Wash. – When he was signed at the end of July, giving Braylon Edwards another shot seemed like a desperate move by the Seattle Seahawks as they tried to find answers at wide receiver.
It may turn out to be a very shrewd decision.
“I’m just trying to make sure I know what I’m doing, giving myself an opportunity not only to make some plays but make this team,” Edwards said.
Through the first two weeks of the preseason, Edwards has been among the Seahawks’ most impressive wide receivers, pushing for a spot on the final 53-man roster that seemed like a longshot when he had his initial tryout and eventually signed with Seattle on July 31. He’s popped in practice, had a leaping 39-yard touchdown catch in Seattle’s preseason opener against Tennessee and looked better than Terrell Owens, the other veteran wide receiver signed during training camp.
It isn’t certain that Edwards will make the squad. But another strong performance Friday night when Seattle (No. 22 in the AP Pro32) travels to Kansas City would go a long way toward securing a spot on the final roster.
“I’m not surprised by anything he (does),” said Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow, who played with Edwards in Cleveland. “I’ve seen this guy every day for four years together. I’m not surprised by anything he can do. That’s why he’s here.”
Edwards is trying to leave behind a miserable 2011 season in San Francisco. He has been working as the split end, but also feels comfortable at flanker. If Sidney Rice can stay healthy — Rice will make his preseason debut on Friday night — and Edwards wins the other starting job, the Seahawks could have one of the bigger receiving duos in the NFL.
Notes
TE Zach Miller is expected to play at Kansas City after suffering a concussion in the first preseason game versus Tennessee. … FB Michael Robinson is still bothered by a toe injury and might not play against the Chiefs. … Carroll clarified that the procedure performed on the hamstring of WR Doug Baldwin was to remove fluid. Baldwin is expected to return to practice next week.