Seahawks’ injured D-linemen practice Wednesday

By Liz Mathews

A number of injured Seahawks returned to practice on Wednesday, most notably defensive end Cliff Avril.

“I’ve never had hamstring issues, I haven’t had anything,” said Avril, who also dealt with a foot injury during OTAs. “Anything that’s gone on this year I haven’t had a problem with, so it’s all new to me. I think that’s what makes it even more frustrating.”

Coach Pete Carroll said he’s not sure whether or not Avril is “far enough along” to play in Sunday’s regular-season opener against Carolina. O’Brien Schofield will start if Avril can’t play.

Avril sat out the start of training camp with a hamstring injury, which he re-aggravated before the third preseason game against Green Bay.

Defensive end Chris Clemons was also expected to return to practice Wednesday, although he was listed on the practice report as having not participated.

“We’re not trying to get Clem ready to play in this game; we’re just trying to get him back on the practice field,” Carroll said.

Clemons was on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list throughout training camp while recovering from offseason knee surgery, but began the regular season on the active roster. Clemons has not been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game, but he isn’t expected to play.

Other injured players returning to practice Wednesday include defensive tackles Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel, who have both been sidelined recently with groin injuries.

Wide receiver Stephen Williams has cleared the league-mandated concussion protocol testing and was a full participant Wednesday. Wide receiver Sidney Rice is “ready to go” for the opener, Carroll said.

Practice report

• DNP: DE Chris Clemons (knee), DT Jordan Hill (biceps) and T Michael Bowie (shoulder).

• Limited: CB Brandon Browner (hamstring), DT Tony McDaniel (groin), DT Brandon Mebane (groin) and DE Cliff Avril (hamstring).

• Full: WRs Sidney Rice (knee) and Stephen Williams (head).