Garry Gilliam holds off J’Marcus Webb for Seahawks’ RT job
Sep 5, 2016, 6:10 PM
Though he entered training camp at left tackle, Garry Gilliam will again be Seattle's right tackle this season. (AP)
(AP)
RENTON – The Seahawks have made their decision at right tackle, choosing Garry Gilliam to remain the starter there over J’Marcus Webb.
Gilliam started last year at right tackle and was projected all offseason to be Seattle’s starter at left tackle, but the Seahawks moved him back to the right side after the start of training camp. As recently as last week, Seattle considered that spot to be up for grabs between Gilliam and Webb, who was signed in free agency to be the Seahawks’ starter but missed a significant amount of time over the offseason and in training camp due to calf and knee injuries.
The Seahawks made their decision following the fourth preseason game, during which Gilliam and Webb alternated possessions at right tackle into the third quarter. Offensive-line coach Tom Cable said it was about Gilliam’s “understanding of our system and what we expect of him.”
O’Neil: Where the Seahawks stand after the preseason
Webb was signed to a two-year, $5.75 million deal over the offseason, which makes him Seattle’s highest-paid offensive lineman. Coach Pete Carroll’s comments suggested that he will be the Seahawks’ swing tackle, meaning that he’ll be the primary backup on both sides.
Of the decision to go with Gilliam over Webb, Carroll said in part: “The continuity from last year helps. Just his development, he’s just getting started, his upside is still out there, and I think it gives us great flexibility having J’Marcus. He’ll play on both sides for us and continue to battle to play. It’s a competition in progress on both sides. Bradley (Sowell) has done a great job at the other side so far in camp, but we’ll keep working our guys and making sure we’re doing the right thing with them. But right now, I thought Garry had a good finish to this camp and he’s ready to go.”
Some more personnel notes from Monday:
• Carroll said of tight end Jimmy Graham’s availability for Seattle’s opener, “We’re going one day at a time with the thought that he’s going to play.” But Carroll stressed that it’s not a certainty that Graham will be able to.
• Tight end Nick Vannett won’t play in Seattle’s opener due to the ankle sprain he sustained in the preseason. Carroll said he has a chance to return next week. Defensive tackle Jarran Reed seems to be on track to play Sunday. He was dealing with a toe injury he sustained in the preseason but practiced Monday.
• Seahawks players have voted on captains for the 2016 season: quarterback Russell Wilson on offense, strong safety Kam Chancellor on defense and punter Jon Ryan and cornerback DeShawn Shead on special teams.
