Sidney Rice sheds boot, still doesn’t practice
Dec 13, 2012, 4:30 PM | Updated: 4:31 pm
By Bill Swartz
There was encouraging injury news from the Seahawks’ Thursday practice. The team’s leading receiver, Sidney Rice, was not wearing the walking boot he had Wednesday. Rice had a sore foot following Sunday’s game against Arizona.
Rice did not participate in drills Thursday. Neither did safety Kam Chancellor, who’s been dealing with a groin injury. Defensive end Red Bryant rested his sore foot. Cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Marcus Trufant have hamstring injuries and did not participate.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said both young defensive backs Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell played well against the Cardinals. They are preparing to play either outside or at nickel.
Bradley is concerned the defense is no longer allowed to have padded practices under terms of the NFL collective bargaining agreement. Statistics showed the Seahawks gave up one more yard per carry last season after a non-pads practice week.
The big concern to defend the Bills is running back C.J. Spiller, according to coach Bradley. They will use him in various ways, especially screen plays.
Bradley said Bills receiver Steve Johnson is also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield.
Buffalo had several players limited in practice due to injuries. Three Bills did not practice Thursday, including former Oregon State linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) and center Eric Wood (knee).
