Clayton: Seahawks’ Drew Nowak could be playing for job vs. 49ers

John Clayton told "Brock and Salk" that he believes the Seahawks could move on from center Drew Nowak if he doesn't play well while starting against San Francisco.

BY ERIC MANDEL

Oct 22, 2015, 10:27 AM Updated: 11:37 am

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Drew Nowak began the year as the starting center but was benched for Patrick Lewis, who was then injured. (AP)

(AP)

Back in the starting lineup after one-week hiatus, Drew Nowak might be auditioning for more than just his place on the depth chart tonight against San Francisco.

“He’s fighting to keep his job, and I think in many ways, he’s fighting to keep his spot on the roster,” John Clayton told “Brock and Salk.”

Nowak, who was a defensive lineman in college and a practice-squad guard before transitioning to center this offseason, was benched last week in favor of Patrick Lewis, who was subsequently injured. Though Nowak has been re-inserted into the starting lineup for tonight’s game against the 49ers, Seattle also re-signed Lemuel Jeanpierre, who started 11 games over four seasons with the Seahawks and was part of the offseason competition to replace former center Max Unger.

Clayton said Jeanpierre is adept at calling protections on the offensive line, an area in which Nowak has struggled.

“It’s not a matter that Drew Nowak doesn’t have the ability to play the position. I think you can see athletically he can do a lot of things,” Clayton said. “It’s the communication, and that’s probably the biggest thing they’re missing without Max Unger.”

Seattle has moved on from promising young players who struggled as starters before, with safety Dion Bailey being a recent example. Bailey was waived earlier this season after starting in Week 1 while Kam Chancellor was still holding out.

“Drew, if he doesn’t have a good game, he may be Dion Bailey’d,” Clayton said.