Breno Giacomini’s sore knee leaves Seahawks’ offensive line in flux
Sep 25, 2013, 1:47 PM | Updated: 5:01 pm
By Danny O’Neil
RENTON – The Seahawks had two new offensive linemen at practice Wednesday, having signed tackle Caylin Hauptmann and veteran guard Jason Spitz.
It was an absence on the line that was more significant, though. Breno Giacomini was not expected to practice Wednesday because of a knee injury that worsened during Sunday’s game. In fact, coach Pete Carroll indicated that Giacomini’s prognosis is uncertain.
“We’ll see see how he is,” Carroll said of Giacomini. “He’s got some more information to get in and to see where he is.”
The uncertainty leaves the distinct possibility that Seattle could be down to a pair of second-string tackles against Houston, which only ranked No. 5 in the league in sacks last year.
The Seahawks are already without Russell Okung, who’s out the next seven weeks with an injured toe. Paul McQuistan will start in Okung’s place, and Carroll said McQuistan played better last week.
If Giacomini is unable to play, the Seahawks would turn to a rookie at right tackle: likely Michael Bowie, the team’s seventh-round draft pick. Bowie entered the game for Giacomini in the second half against Jacksonville last week. Bowie later moved to left tackle when McQuistan was given a breather with Alvin Bailey coming in at right tackle.
The crunch Seattle is feeling along the offensive line has carried over to the transactions. The Seahawks signed Hauptmann off the Browns’ practice squad to take Okung’s place on the 53-man roster. Spitz is a veteran interior lineman formerly with Green Bay who was signed to take the spot that opened up with the release of defensive lineman D’Anthony Smith.
Defensive end Red Bryant was not expected to practice Wednesday as he rests a sore back that forced him from last Sunday’s game, but he is expected to be available Sunday in Houston.
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill is set to practice for the first time in more than a month, returning from a biceps injury he suffered in training camp.
Receiver Percy Harvin is in New York to have his hip evaluated by the doctor who performed surgery on Aug. 1. Carroll indicated Harvin’s recovery is progressing quite well.
