Pritchard Works Friday, But Knee Still A Concern Seahawks Could Use Receiver Sunday When The Raiders Visit
The swelling in Mike Pritchard’s right knee slowed enough for him to practice Friday. If he can have the same luck by Sunday morning, Pritchard, the Seattle Seahawks’ leading receiver, will be a starter for the key AFC West game against the Oakland Raiders.
Last Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, Pritchard’s knee had to be drained before the game, but swelling during the first quarter forced him to miss the rest of the game.
“With the swelling, you can’t bend it and you can’t get your range of motion,” Pritchard said.
Pritchard felt optimistic about his chances of playing. If not, the Seahawks plan to start James McKnight.
“It’s not so much thinking how it is now, but if it swells back up again,” coach Dennis Erickson said.
Pritchard hurt the knee four weeks ago and thought it was a bursa sac problem. He found out this week it was caused by an accumulation of blood above the knee from a past injury.
Pritchard isn’t the only “iffy” Seahawks receiver. Joey Galloway continues to be nagged by a groin injury that limited his work Friday, but the coach still expects him to play.
If Galloway can’t start, the Seahawks would go with Brian Blades.
“James has practiced well all week,” Pritchard said.
Starter changes
Because of the stringer injury in the neck and right shoulder of right guard Derrick Graham, the Seahawks will start Frank Beede.
With Steve Broussard starting at halfback instead of the injured Lamar Smith, the Seahawks will have at least two new starters from last week’s victory over the Rams.
Inactives
The Seahawks inactives Friday were quarterback John Friesz, Lamar Smith and linebacker Michael Barber. The Raiders deactivated defensive end Lance Johnstone, fullback Jerone Davidson, cornerback Calvin Branch and tackle Scott Whittaker.
Tickets available
The Oakland Raiders have returned several hundred tickets for Sunday’s game in the Kingdome. Those tickets are on sale at TicketMaster outlets and the Kingdome box office starting at 9 a.m. today.
TicketMaster’s phone number is (206) 628-0888.