Russell questionable for game

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Just as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is getting back to relatively full health, the traffic cop of the Seahawks’ surging defense is hurting.

Hard-hitting free safety Brian Russell missed another day of practice Friday with a sore abdomen and is questionable to start on Sunday when the NFC West champions (9-4) play at Carolina (5-8).

Russell, one of three free-agent acquisitions who have greatly improved the defense, watched the short practice before the team flew East while wearing an electric stimulation pack attached to his torso. If he can’t play, extra defensive back Jordan Babineaux would likely make his first start of the season alongside strong safety Deon Grant.

Guessing game

The Seahawks don’t know whether they’ll face the oldest quarterback in the NFL or one of the youngest on Sunday.

Matt Moore, a 23-year-old rookie from Oregon State, has taken most of the practice reps for Carolina this week. But 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde, who has not practiced all week while healing an undisclosed injury, has started four of the past five games.

Notes

DT Rocky Bernard again sat out practice to rest his sore groin that has been bothering him for weeks, but Holmgren said Bernard will start Sunday as he has all season. … The only Seahawks listed as out for the Panthers game are WR D.J. Hackett (sprained ankle) and CB-KR Josh Wilson (pulled quadriceps). Holmgren said both are progressing ahead of schedule.