Carroll: Seahawks’ Michael Bennett, Quinton Jefferson could play Sunday vs Giants

With the return from a bye week and an upcoming road trip to the East Coast, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gave his final injury report during a rare Thursday press conference. And with a return to practice Thursday for Michael Bennett (foot), Jeremy Lane (groin), and C.J. Prosise (ankle), there is a chance Seattle could have just two players out for their upcoming game against the Giants: defensive end Cliff Avril (neck) and offensive lineman Luke Joeckel (knee).

Seahawks begin moving ahead without Cliff Avril

Joeckel, Avril, and safety Earl Thomas (who was listed out as non-injury related, personal) were the only players to miss practice Thursday.

Defensive end Michael Bennett, dealing with a plantar fascia injury, practiced Thursday and appears primed to play Sunday.

“He’s a little sore, but he made it through all of the work. So it looks like he’s ready to go,” Carroll said.

Running back C.J. Prosise (ankle) has not played since netting 74 yards in Seattle’s loss to the Titans on Sept. 24.

“(Prosise) had a little setback on the first day but made it through practice, made it through the next day, and made it through today,” Carroll said. “So that’s a really good sign, and gives us a chance to possibly have him available.”

Defensive linemen Nazair Jones (knee) and Marcus Smith (ankle) are also fine, Carroll said. In a surprising – and positive – development for Seattle, defensive end/tackle Quinton Jefferson is also available Sunday. He had surgery on a broken hand before the Seahawks’ bye last week.

Cornerback Jeremy Lane (groin) appears the least likely to return, though he was able to practice Thursday. The team will need to see how he handles the new workload, and he will likely be a gameday decision.

Carroll confirmed Avril will be heading to the Injured Reserve list.

“We have to wait and see on that,” Carroll said, when asked whether there is a chance Avril’s career is over. “That’s really up to the (doctors) and Cliff… I’m 1,000 percent supportive of whatever we need to do here to help him. The IR thing gives him at least six weeks just to figure whatever else we can figure out. But he’s not sure which is best for him right now, and he’s trying to find that out. We’re giving him, hopefully, a good sense and a comfort that we’re going to support it all the way throughout.”

Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated tweeted Thursday afternoon that he spoke to Avril, who said he’s not considering retirement.

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