Seahawks’ hearts lift with return of Engram

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Bobby Engram’s heart finally has slowed. So now he can gradually get back up to Seahawks speed.

Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that Engram’s latest blood tests have finally convinced doctors that he can play again. The team’s leading receiver last season hasn’t played since Oct. 1, just before a virus and Graves’ disease caused a thyroid condition, an accelerated heart rate, debilitating fatigue and weight loss.

“His numbers are finally where they are supposed to be. Bless his heart,” Holmgren said.

“Now, he has to tell me how he feels. He has to in his own mind, I think, feel like he can contribute and really go like he’s used to going.”

Holmgren stopped short of saying the 11-year veteran will play Sunday at Arizona.

“That might be a little bit of a stretch,” Holmgren said. “But we are going to get him back pretty soon.”

The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Engram has missed the last eight games and had lost 8 pounds. He is slowly regaining the weight.

For weeks, various medications failed to slow Engram’s heart rate. But doctors recently found the right combination of beta blocker drugs that didn’t leave him exhausted.

Holmgren said Engram is no longer taking the medication. Engram has declined to speak publicly about his ordeal until he begins playing again.

“His heart rate is back to where it should be, and that’s a major concern during this thing,” Holmgren said. “So it’s all good. Now he just kind of has to build up his endurance again.”