Weaver in spotlight
He’s endured the emotional toll of seeing a close friend’s career end because of an injury. He’s stood in front of so many cameras and microphones that he has lost count. He’s watched more film than ever before, taken more snaps with the No. 1 offense, and stood in a spotlight he’s never had cast upon him.
Now, Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver is just ready to play some football.
“Of course there’s added pressure when you’re replacing a veteran,” Weaver said, referring to his spot in the starting lineup following Mack Strong’s retirement earlier this week. “But I’m just going to come out, do my job and take the advice that he has given me over the years.”
When the Seahawks host the New Orleans Saints in a nationally televised game on Sunday night, Weaver will be making his first start of the post-Strong era. Strong announced his retirement because of a neck injury earlier this week, and Weaver is taking over his role.
“I’m confident in the stuff that Leonard can do,” running back Shaun Alexander said,” but you don’t replace a legend.”
Weaver admitted that this week has been a little different for him, but he added that he’s ready for the challenge.
“I felt like I had to prepare a little more,” he said. “I’ve had to do a couple other things to make sure I’m ready. … Right now, I’m really honing in on blocking. That’s my role this week – to block and give Shaun (Alexander) room to run.”
Seattle’s offense could be looking plenty of unusual places for help Sunday. Veteran wide receiver Bobby Engram is likely to take over for injured starter Deion Branch at flanker, while receivers Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor could see the most playing time of their young careers.
Tight end Marcus Pollard is also hobbled. A knee injury has him listed as “questionable” on the injury report, meaning Will Heller and Ben Joppru could see extended playing time.
“I hope they’re ready,” Holmgren said after Friday’s practice. “They have to be ready.
“I just told the team that at some point, whether you’re Walter Jones or Ben Obomanu, you get pushed out there and you have to play.”
Cowboys’ Williams fined
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams has been fined for the second time this season for a “horse-collar” tackle.
The NFL fined Williams $15,000 for a tackle against running back Marshawn Lynch in Monday night’s game at Buffalo.
Romo’s father diagnosed
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Ramiro Romo, 50, found out he had cancer just days after he and his wife were at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 23 watching their son throw for 329 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-10 victory over the Bears.
Congress questions NFL
The House Judiciary Committee, after criticizing the NFL’s retiree benefit system, asked the league and the players’ union to turn over information on football injuries, the disability and retirement system and what’s being done to help battered and broken retirees.
Around the league
Baltimore quarterback Steve McNair missed his second consecutive day of practice with a stiff back, and the team will make a decision at game time Sunday whether he will play against St. Louis. Backup quarterback Kyle Boller took all the snaps again with the first-team offense. … Minnesota quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is listed as probable for the Vikings’ game Sunday at Chicago, making it likely that he will get his first start in three weeks. … Quarterback David Carr returned to practice for Carolina and was listed as probable for Sunday’s game at Arizona. If Carr can’t go, either Vinny Testaverde or Matt Moore would start. … Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport was charged with domestic violence, child endangering and unlawful restraint in a custody-related confrontation with the mother of his 5-year-old son.