Seahawks’ Max Unger, Russell Okung to return against Giants

RENTON – The Seahawks aren’t quite back to full strength.

Not with strong safety Kam Chancellor, linebacker Malcolm Smith and left guard James Carpenter among the starters who will likely be sidelined Sunday against the Giants.

But they’re getting there, especially along an offensive line that will have center Max Unger and left tackle Russell Okung after both missed last week’s game against Oakland.

“It was great to have Max in the middle there and Russell finish this week, so both those guys will play,” coach Pete Carroll said Friday. “That’s obviously very positive for us. We’re grateful to have both those guys back.”

Despite the absences, this game will mark a significant turn in Seattle’s health compared to last week when the Seahawks had more injured players than they could declare inactive.

Nickelback Jeremy Lane will be back after missing the last seven games while on short-term injured reserve. Seattle will have to activate him by Saturday, which will require a subtraction from the 53-man roster. Lane’s return comes at a good time with Marcus Burley, his replacement at nickelback, listed as questionable because of a hamstring injury.

Defensive tackle Jordan Hill will play after missing the last three games. Cornerback Byron Maxwell has a chance to do the same.

“We’ll find out. He practiced today, got through it all. We need to see how he recovers again tomorrow,” Carroll said of Maxwell. “That’s really a day-to-day (deal) with him and we really won’t know until game time.”

Running back Marshawn Lynch, wide receiver Doug Baldwin, defensive end O’Brien Schofield and defensive lineman Michael Bennett are all listed as probable after returning to practice Friday following an absence earlier in the week.

Chancellor didn’t play against Oakland after injuring his groin mid-week. He didn’t practice at all this week and is listed as doubtful.

“It’s going to be a game-day decision,” Carroll said. “He’s going to have to talk us into it at this point because he wasn’t able to work during the week like we had hoped. So we’ll see. He’s very close to being ready but still we’ve got to make sure we take care of him for the long haul.”

Jeron Johnson, back from a concussion, would make his first career start in Chancellor’s absence. Alvin Bailey will replace Carpenter at left guard.

Seahawks injury report

Out

• TE Zach Miller (ankle)

• LB Bobby Wagner (toe)

Doubtful

• LG James Carpenter (ankle)

• C Stephen Schilling (knee)

• SS Kam Chancellor (groin)

• LB Malcolm Smith (groin)

Questionable

• CB Byron Maxwell (calf)

• CB Marcus Burley (hamstring)

Probable

• S Jeron Johnson (concussion)

• C Max Unger (non-injury-related)

• DE O’Brien Schofield (head)

• DT Jordan Hill (ankle)

• LT Russell Okung (calf)

• WR Doug Baldwin (groin)

• RB Marshawn Lynch (calf)

• DE Michael Bennett (toe)