Hawks look to special help

Desperate to get more production on special teams, the Seattle Seahawks brought in some helping hands this week.

Offensive coordinator Gil Haskell and receivers coach Nolan Cromwell, who have both coached special teams in the past, have been giving Mark Michaels assistance with the unit at practices.

“Wherever I’ve been, the other coaches are involved” in special teams, head coach Mike Holmgren said. “It just so happens that both Gil and Nolan have coached special teams and been good at it.

“We’re all just trying to get better and fix the problems that we’ve had, particularly last week. I’ve called on them, and they’re working with Mark. Mark’s still setting things up, and they’ll be able to help him.”

Seattle’s special teams have been a constant source of frustration this year. Seattle ranks 30th in punt return average, 30th in net punt average, and in the bottom half of the league in just about every other special teams category.

Michaels took over as special teams coach this season after the team did not renew the contract of Pete Rodriguez. While Holmgren does not want to put too much of the blame on Michaels, he is still looking for improved production.

“We just have to kick the ball better,” Holmgren said. “We have to be smarter. We’ve emphasized some things this week, and I trust it will work in the football game.”

Left tackle Walter Jones (thumb) and kick returner Kerry Carter (ribs) returned to practice and are expected to play Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive end Chike Okeafor (ankle) and cornerback Bobby Taylor (knee) have not practiced at all this week, but Holmgren said he expects both to play.

The only players likely to miss the game are linebackers Tracy White (hamstring) and Chad Brown (knee surgery). White is expected back next week, although Holmgren said he has a remote chance of playing Monday, while Brown could be back for the Dec. 19 game against the New York Jets.

Green likely to start for Chiefs

Chiefs quarterback Trent Green took most of the snaps in practice and is likely to start in Kansas City’s game Sunday at Oakland.

Coach Dick Vermeil said Green told him he felt good and there was no reason he could not play. Vermeil said his final decision on whether to start Green or backup Todd Collins would be made today.

Safeties Jerome Woods and Greg Wesley, linebacker Monty Beisel and defensive end Vonnie Holliday will miss the game for Kansas City.

Pennington to start against Texans

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington will start Sunday for New York against the Houston Texans after sitting out the last three games with a strained right rotator cuff.

“I’m excited about playing with my teammates on Sunday,” Pennington said in a statement. “I feel confident that I can help the team compete. My shoulder is no longer a concern.”

Burress remains questionable

Plaxico Burress tried to practice Thursday with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was not able to finish and also missed practice time Friday night. He remains listed as questionable, meaning there is a 50-50 chance he will play.

If Burress can’t play, Antwaan Randle El will replace him in the starting lineup.

Running back Duce Staley practiced again and is probable.

Around the league

The New England Patriots signed free-agent offensive lineman Marques Sullivan and waived wide receiver Kevin Kasper. … The Jacksonville Jaguars signed rookie defensive tackle Anthony Maddox from the practice squad and waived injured return man Jermaine Lewis.