No-show Jones a tradition

The temperatures are in the low 90s, sweet SUVs dot the parking lot and Walter Jones is nowhere to be seen.

Must be time for Seahawks training camp in Cheney.

The Seahawks gather for their first official practice this morning at 8:45 and attendance should be nearly 100 percent. The most notable absence, of course, is Jones, the Pro Bowl offensive tackle who has skipped the previous two training camps over a contract dispute. He’s reported to the team the week of the regular-season opener the last two years and most expect the same scenario to play out this year.

Team officials were optimistic earlier this week that an agreement was close with first-round draft pick Marcus Tubbs. If Tubbs’ contract gets worked out in time, the defensive tackle could be on hand for morning drills or by the 2:45 p.m. afternoon session. Seattle has signed its other six draft picks.

Several players’ training camp debuts might be delayed, including Grant Wistrom, Seattle’s biggest free-agent acquisition. Wistrom was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Wistrom, who has plantar fascitis, was one of four Seahawks who failed their physical Sunday, the Associated Press reported. He’s not expected to be sidelined for long and it’s possible he could practice today. Wistrom missed a recent minicamp with back spasms.

Backup offensive tackle Wayne Hunter and reserve tight end Ryan Hannam joined Wistrom on the PUP list.

Typical hot conditions will greet the players, but perhaps just for the first day or two. A cooling trend is expected by mid week with temperatures dropping to the lower 80s. Seattle has two-a-days scheduled through Thursday. Friday’s afternoon session is for special teams and the Seahawks head to Portland for a Saturday scrimmage at PGE Park. Workouts resume Sunday at Eastern Washington University.