Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin expected to play vs. Vikings
Nov 2, 2012, 2:08 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
By Bill Swartz
Russell Wilson will have a valuable target available Sunday when the Seahawks host the Vikings
at CenturyLink Field.
Coach Pete Carroll said Friday that slot receiver Doug Baldwin had a solid week of practice and will be ready to play against Minnesota. Baldwin surprised coaches and the training staff by how quickly he recovered from a high ankle sprain that kept him out of the Detroit game.
“He hasn’t been consistently healthy, so we haven’t had a steady dose of him,” Carroll said. “We love him, he’s one of our important guys, and we hope he can be a factor as we kick in the second half.”
Carroll said receiver Braylon Edwards will not play Sunday due to a knee problem. Pierce County and University of Washington product Jermaine Kearse will play receiver and on special teams, Carroll said.
On defense, it’s looking like lineman Jason Jones will miss a second straight game with a sprained ankle. Carroll said Jones didn’t look well in Friday practice, which isn’t a good sign for the weekend. Rookie defensive end Greg Scruggs did return to practice from an oblique injury and will be available against the Vikings.
Offensive lineman John Moffitt is ready for game action but will not be a starter. Carroll said the second-year man from Wisconsin is a backup at both guards and center position.
While cornerback Walter Thurmond had two good weeks of work, Carroll said the team will wait until this weekend to decide whether to activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Carroll said this game is really important to set the tone for the second half of the season.
“It’s crucial we play well at home, but know Minnesota is really good, and going to make it hard on us,” he said.