Fed up, Hasselbeck returns to practice
KIRKLAND — After 10 days of pain, frustration and physical tests, Matt Hasselbeck had had enough.
The Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback returned to the practice field Thursday, taking part in his first action since suffering a charley horse in a Nov. 14 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
“I just told myself that I’ve got to go. I’ve got no other options,” he said after practicing with the No. 1 offense. “The trainers did a good job of getting me ready. The big test will be how I feel (today).”
Hasselbeck showed no obvious signs of limitation while playing on the bruised right thigh, but the pain was apparent on his face.
He passed a series of physical tests Wednesday, clearing the way for him to practice. Hasselbeck ran drills, then took all but one repetition with the No. 1 offense. He’s still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Buffalo.
“I think I should be healthy on Sunday,” Hasselbeck said. “I’m just telling myself: no options, you’re good. It’s the power of a positive mind.”
Trent Dilfer would start for the second consecutive week if Hasselbeck can’t play.
Pranksters
Both rookies and veterans were subjects of good-natured pranks before a holiday morning practice.
Most of Seattle’s rookie class fell for an annual prank that involves a notice in their locker promising a free turkey. All but two rookies showed up at a local market looking for the freebie. The two who didn’t were No. 1 pick Marcus Tubbs and second-round choice Michael Boulware.
“Those top picks, they don’t care about a free turkey anyway,” veteran offensive lineman Robbie Tobeck said. “They make enough money, so what good is a free turkey to them?”
Veterans Ken Lucas and Isaiah Kacyvenski were also apparently pranked by teammates.
Both players showed up for Thursday’s practice to find the letter ‘C’ sewn into their practice jerseys. As captains – Kacyvenski has taken over for injured Alex Bannister as special teams captain, while Lucas is expected to fill in for linebacker Chad Brown – the duo didn’t suspect anything was wrong.
But once practice started, they began to realize that the ‘C’ stood for something entirely different.
“Something I can’t say,” Lucas said. “Let’s just say it’s not ‘captain.’ “
Terry returns
After being benched for Sunday’s game and missing two days of practice due to an ill family member, starting right tackle Chris Terry was back with the team.
Terry worked with the No. 2 offense while Floyd Womack remained with the first team.