Carroll hopes to get Unger, Maxwell back this week

RENTON – Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he’s hopeful that cornerback Byron Maxwell and center Max Unger can return to practice this week, which was the good news on the injury front to come out of Monday’s press conference.

It’s going to take longer for two other injured starters, tight end Zach Miller and linebacker Bobby Wagner, who both saw doctors during Seattle’s trip to the East Coast.

“Both those guys got updated on their progress and where they’re going. We were not given a timeline for them,” Carroll said. “Neither one of those guys are ready to come back this week. So we will have to wait and see what happens with those guys.”

Miller has missed the last four games with an ankle injury, and as of last week Carroll said he was still in a boot. Unger, meanwhile, has missed the last three games with a foot strain.

Carroll said defensive tackle Jordan Hill has a chance to return this week after missing Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.

Carroll said the team will know more on Wednesday about the status of linebacker Malcolm Smith, who sustained a mild groin strain Sunday. Same for safety Jeron Johnson, who will follow the concussion protocol.

Wide receiver/kick returner Bryan Walters missed Sunday’s game with a concussion but has a chance to return this week, Carroll said.