Why Training Camp is a Bad Time to Get Gimpy

A quick update on Seattle's training camp injuries - and more importantly, the ripple effects each might have, based on the excellent coverage from independent Seattle bloggers like Fieldgulls, Hawk Blogger, and Davis Hsu.

Remember, players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list do not count against the final 53-man roster, but are out for the first six weeks of the regular season.



CB Walter Thurmond

A non-high ankle sprain has kept the Seahawks' 4th-round pick (and heir apparent to Josh Wilson) sidelined since the start of camp. He's supposed to be back in a couple days. This is bad for the former Duck and his long recovery from the severe injury that knocked him out of the 2nd round, but good for...

Beneficiaries:

...Carroll's CB competition. 5th-rounder Richard Sherman, CFL pickup Brandon Browner, and stubborn cling-on Kelly Jennings have all been getting looks on the first team. Browner and Sherman have impressed, but Carroll loves a deep, versatile backfield, so this may or may not threaten Thurmond's roster spot.





TE Cameron Morrah

From what I've read, Morrah has yet to practice thanks to a toe injury. The arrival of Zach Miller makes this a crowded position even for a TE-heavy offense like Seattle's, so unless John Carlson gets traded (not a slam dunk), Morrah needs the reps to continue his improvements from last year.

Beneficiaries:

Anthony McCoy's progress remains unclear. Dominique Byrd is raising some eyebrows in camp. If he or Ryan Travis stick, they might do so as a fullback or H-back hybrid, a staple of the specialized Carroll/Bevell playbook.


WR Deon Butler

The NFL-short Butler was already a misfit on a Carroll team that prizes height. His slower-than-expected recovery from last year's broken leg could land him on the PUP list. That could bode ill for him, because while he's been rehabbing, Seattle's roster has sported a number of taller and healthier talents at WR. A PUP designation would give them an extended audition to replace Butler.

Beneficiaries:

Doug Baldwin is becoming this season's camp surprise. Of course, this is the WR position, known for camp casualties who make the most visible plays and draw the biggest raves, only to tank equally big against NFL defenses. Kris Durham hasn't made as much noise as I'd hoped but is still around. Isaiah Stanback is that intriguing position-less playmaker whom Carroll seems determined to keep around. Ricardo Lockette is wowing some, but not everyone.


CB Roy Lewis

Last year's slot corner and Seahawks "Man of the Year" sounds increasingly destined for the PUP list. He was recruited by Carroll and is a local favorite, so he has some clout to remain and his competition isn't particularly stiff.

Beneficiaries:

CB/S Josh Pinkard looks like the jack-of-all-trades successor to Jordan Babineaux. CB Byron Maxwell never really looked the NFL part to me, but maybe I'm biased. Hard to pick out a distinctive slot corner on this team outside of Lewis.


DE Dexter Davis


I had hopes for the LB/DE hybrid from last year's 7th round. He's got others nipping at his heels, though. Not sure why he's not practicing.

Beneficiaries:

Bringing in both Raheem Brock and Jimmy Wilkerson was a bit of a surprise, and could be a commentary in and of itself. Seattle also stocked up on linebackers in the draft; KJ Wright, Malcolm Smith, and even UDFA Mike Morgan have been okay. The return of Leroy Hill makes things murkier for Davis.


DE Red Bryant

The big guy isn't nicked up, just being held out of practice out of an abundance of caution over his season-ending injury from last year.

Beneficiaries:

Bryant's roster spot is safe, but his absence has given Lazarius "Pep" Livingston a number of reps that he seems to have made the most of.