Sprain troubles Trufant
KIRKLAND, Wash. – When it comes to Marcus Trufant, the Seattle Seahawks are holding out hope for a “medical miracle.”
Those were the words coach Mike Holmgren used to explain cornerback Trufant, the Washington State University product, being listed as “doubtful” – not “out” – on the injury report for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
After suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to San Diego, Trufant appears unlikely to play in the regular-season finale. There’s a chance he won’t be available for the playoffs.
“You don’t know for sure, but it’s not looking real great,” Holmgren said, comparing the injury to the high ankle sprain that kept teammate Sean Locklear out for seven games earlier this season. “But let’s just wait and see.”
What is clear is that rookie Kelly Jennings is likely to make his first NFL start Sunday. Holmgren said that the first-round pick in the April draft is ready for the challenge.
“He played his best football game the other day,” Holmgren said of Sunday’s 20-17 loss to San Diego. “He has improved as the season’s gone along, and now he’s got to step in and do it – if Marcus can’t play.
“That’s the deal. That’s the way it is.”
Trufant is one of three starters expected to miss Sunday’s game because of injury. Wide receiver Darrell Jackson (turf toe) is listed as doubtful and is unlikely to play, but there is a chance he’ll travel because Tampa is his hometown.
Center Robbie Tobeck (hip) is listed as “out,” meaning he’ll miss his eighth consecutive game.
The Seahawks believe Jackson and Tobeck could be available for the playoffs.
Right guard Chris Gray (thigh) was also held out of Wednesday’s practice but is expected to play. Floyd Womack filled in for Gray at right guard, while rookie Rob Sims stayed at left guard.
The Buccaneers’ injury report includes four starters, all of whom are listed as “questionable”: running back Cadillac Williams (foot), guard Davin Joseph (knee), safety Jermaine Phillips and defensive tackle Ellis Wyms (ankle).
Hasselbeck discards brace
When quarterback Matt Hasselbeck showed up for practice, he was so jovial that offensive coordinator Gil Haskell thought something was amiss.
Just the opposite was true.
Hasselbeck was actually feeling more like himself, having ditched the brace that has been protecting his right knee. He’s been cleared to practice without the brace, but he’s expected to wear it in Sunday’s game.
Quick slants
Mainly because of Trufant’s injury, the Seahawks signed cornerback Rich Gardner, who played in 28 games with the Tennessee Titans over the past two seasons but got cut after training camp in September. To make room for Gardner on the roster, Seattle released defensive lineman Robert Pollard. … Both Holmgren and Haskell praised the play of offensive linemen Rob Sims and Chris Spencer in Sunday’s loss to San Diego. “Rob Sims and Chris Spencer had their best games,” Haskell said. … A loss Sunday would mark the fourth time in franchise history that the Seahawks ended a season on a four-game losing streak. This year’s Seahawks (8-7) have as many wins as the previous three teams combined: the inaugural, 2-12 team in 1976, the 4-12 squad in 1980, and the 2-14 team in 1992.