Pete Carroll says Doug Baldwin is fine, Shaquill Griffin will start Seahawks’ preseason opener

RENTON – The injury that forced Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin to leave Thursday’s practice is indeed nothing serious.

Coach Pete Carroll confirmed as much Friday morning with “Brock and Salk,” saying that Baldwin is going to be fine after suffering what he described as a minor foot strain. That happened when Baldwin was brought down awkwardly by a K.J. Wright tackle then stayed down for a few moments before walking to the locker room with trainers.

It looked worse than it actually was. Carroll said Baldwin could play Sunday if the Seahawks needed him to – it’s their preseason opener, so they don’t – and that the team will give him some time to rest. Baldwin didn’t practice Friday.

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“We’re very fortunate there,” Carroll said.

Carroll said rookie Shaquill Griffin will start Sunday’s game against the Chargers in Los Angeles in place of Jeremy Lane, who remains out with what has only been described as a soft-tissue injury. Carroll told reporters after practice that Lane is close to returning and that he expects him to do so when the team resumes practice on Tuesday.

Griffin has a legitimate shot at being one of Seattle’s top three cornerbacks this season. He’s been playing with the starters in Lane’s absence, but Sunday’s preseason game will be a new test.

Tight end Luke Willson missed his second straight practice Friday. Carroll called it a “real minor” groin issue. Second-year tight end Nick Vannett will be a player to watch Sunday, especially with Willson not expected to play and Jimmy Graham not expected to play much if at all.

Carroll said running back Eddie Lacy will play Sunday while wide receiver Tyler Lockett will not.