Fringe Players Can Make Day Special One

Players scrambling to cement a spot on the Seattle Seahawks roster can make a special impression on head coach Dennis Erickson today.

The Seahawks open preseason against Minnesota in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The game will be aired on ABC.

“Special teams become important,” Erickson said. “You might think you’re the 80th guy on the team, but when you get a chance and go down and make a big-time hit, that impresses the coaches. A lot of guys have made a lot of teams like that.”

For evaluation purposes, backups are expected to see extensive time. The field probably will be filled with second- and third-teamers in the second half.

To prevent possible injury, some primary players might not see time at all. Offensive right tackle Howard Ballard (arthritic knee) is expected to sit out.

Slow going

One of Shawn Springs’ agents on Friday was drafting a response to contract offers from the Seahawks.

Ajili Hodari declined to say what the response will be, but it sounded as if Springs’ camp wasn’t too excited by Seattle’s latest proposals.

“It’s just to be clear where we’re going so there’s no misunderstandings,” Hodari said. “I’m trying to get it to them before they leave (Cheney) for the game. If not, I’ll send it to their hotel” in Ohio.

“I think we’re close on some standpoints and miles apart on others,” Hodari said. “You can’t be miles apart and have anything set.”

Seattle reportedly has offered Springs a six-year, $16-million pact, or a six-year, $13.3-million deal that includes a $5.75 million signing bonus.

“We certainly have gone beyond the call of duty (in terms of compromise) for the Seahawks to help them out of their situation,” Hodari said. “By the way, it’s a situation they put themselves in. They have to help us, too.”

Hodari anticipates face-to-face meetings with Seahawks’ officials this weekend in Ohio.

, DataTimes