Starting Qb Kitna Tweaks His Back

Quarterback Jon Kitna left practice Thursday morning with back pain, then skipped afternoon drills at the Seattle Seahawks’ Eastern Washington University training site.

With only a brief walk-through practice of game situations this morning before the Seahawks fly out to Phoenix, Kitna’s role in Saturday night’s preseason game with the Cardinals is suddenly uncertain.

The starting quarterback was handing off in a routine drill when he encountered back pain.

“Tweaked” was the word Mike Holmgren used in the coach’s morning briefing.

Tuesday it was the elbow of his throwing arm that threw Kitna out of work for a day.

Thursday it was the back.

His exit again left the first unit to Brock Huard and Glenn Foley.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Holmgren said. “Foley did it a week ago. Jon was twisting (trying to work out the kinks), so instead of having him stand out there I just sent him in to get ice on it.”

Will Kitna play at all Saturday, when Seattle tries to go 2-0 in the preseason?

“I think he will,” Holmgren said. “Usually, these things (heal) in a couple of days. He’ll treat it (Thursday and Friday). He can treat it when we get to the hotel. He’ll make the trip. Whether he plays or not, I’ve got to see how he feels at kickoff.

“I was leaning towards playing John a little bit more (than a week ago), maybe the entire first half,” Holmgren said, “but now I have to see how he feels.”