Seahawks Thursday practice report: Russell Okung, J.R. Sweezy DNP
Dec 31, 2015, 4:41 PM | Updated: 4:44 pm
Russell Okung sat out Thursday after being limited in practice Wednesday, possibly indicating a setback. (AP)
(AP)
BY
Former Seattle Sports Lead Editor
RENTON – If it wasn’t already, the state of Seattle’s offensive line is now a major concern heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale against Arizona.
Both left tackle Russell Okung and right guard J.R. Sweezy missed practiced Thursday, which means it’s possibly that the Seahawks could be without two starters along their offensive line against one of the NFL’s best defenses.
Sweezy hasn’t practiced this week due to a concussion that was first revealed on Wednesday’s practice report. That he has yet to practice even to a limited degree does not bode well for his chances of playing Sunday. The same goes for tight end Luke Willson, who also sustained a concussion Sunday against St. Louis and has yet to practice since.
Okung was limited on Wednesday as he practiced for the first time since straining his calf against Cleveland on Dec. 20. That he then sat out on Thursday could be indicative of a set-back in his recovery.
Alvin Bailey would likely start for the second straight week at left tackle if Okung can’t play Sunday. If Sweezy is also out, either Lemuel Jeanpierre or rookie Mark Glowinski would play right guard. Bailey can also play there – recall that he was a candidate for the starting job at left guard over the offseason – so he would be an option if Okung plays and Sweezy doesn’t.
Seattle also has some injury-related uncertainties on defense. Strong safety Kam Chancellor and defensive lineman Michael Bennett were both limited on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice.
Until Thursday, Chancellor hadn’t practiced at all since bruising his tailbone against Baltimore on Dec. 13. Kelcie McCray has played in his absence and would continue to do so if Chancellor can’t play Sunday. Bennett, meanwhile, received an injection earlier this week to treat the toe injury he has dealt with for some time. Coach Pete Carroll said Bennett’s availability for Sunday’s game will depend on how his toe responds from that treatment.
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill (toe) was limited for the second straight day. Wednesday’s practice was his first since injuring his toe on Nov. 29 against Pittsburgh.
Defensive end Cliff Avril (back) was a full participant, so he appears to be fine after sitting out Wednesday’s practice.
