Michael Bennett back for the Seahawks, Garry Gilliam benched
Dec 4, 2016, 4:10 PM | Updated: 4:22 pm
Seahawks DE Michael Bennett is active against Carolina after missing five games for knee surgery. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks were missing five starters for last week’s game at Tampa Bay, four of them on defense.
They won’t be missing any starters against Carolina as defensive tackle Michael Bennett is active for the game after being listed as questionable on Friday. Bennett has missed the past five games because of a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
Safety Earl Thomas and cornerback DeShawn Shead are back after sitting out last week’s game because of hamstring injuries while linebacker Michael Morgan returns to the roster after missing the past eight weeks following surgery to repair an abdominal injury. Morgan was placed on injured reserve, but Seattle designated him for return. Each team is allowed one such designation per season.
Justin Britt returns at center this week. He was active for last week’s game, but did not play.
The biggest surprise on the list of inactives for Seattle is Garry Gilliam, who started 27 consecutive regular-season games at right tackle. He was replaced by Bradley Sowell after the first series of last week’s game against Tampa Bay. Rees Odhiambo is active as the backup tackle in part because he can also play guard.
The other players who are inactive for Seattle: WR Paul Richardson (hamstring), RB C.J. Prosise (shoulder blade), LB Brock Coyle (foot), TE Luke Willson (knee), RB Alex Collins and DT John Jenkins.
The Panthers will be missing starting safety Kurt Coleman and linebacker Luke Kuechly, each of whom suffered a concussion.
The other Carolina players who are out: RB Cameron Artis-Payne, T Daryl Williams, TE Chris Manhertz, DT Paul Soliai and DE Mario Addison.
