Seahawks Friday in Hawkville

[News Bot]

A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Nov. 25:
FOCUS ON
Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks’ sore-shouldered quarterback not only practiced today, he threw the ball – a lot, and well.
That is significant, of course, because this was only the second time this month that Jackson has participated fully in a Friday practice because of the pectoral he strained in the Week 5 game against the Giants.
“That was a surprise,” coach Pete Carroll said after the one hour, 40 minute practice that was held outdoors for the first time this week. “Tarvaris felt a little bit better, so he got full-go today. That’s good news.”
It’s a definite plus heading into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field, because Jackson’s has been so limited in practice in recent weeks.
“He needs the work,” Carroll said. “He was a little bit rusty this week sometimes. It only stands to reason. He’s had so few days on the practice field. So the fact that he got out there today and got a whole boatload of plays and looks at stuff in the red zone that he didn’t get last week, it should help him.”
PLAYER WATCH
Clinton McDonald. With Alan Branch listed as questionable after not practicing all week because of a sprained ankle, McDonald could start at defensive tackle against the Redskins – or at least get additional snaps even if Branch is able to go.
The 6-foot-2, 297-pound McDonald replaced Branch in practice all week.
“Mac’s done a really good job,” Carroll said. “He’s been able to jump in here and play a couple of positions and help in the nickel. He’s a very tough guy. A really good effort guy. Always where he’s supposed to be. If feel like we can really count on him. He’ll do things right.”
McDonald’s teammates agree.
“Clinton reminds me of ‘Bang’ a little bit,” defensive end Chris Clemons said, comparing McDonald to nose tackle Brandon Mebane – and using Mebane’s nickname.
“He’s real strong, real explosive. You can just see him getting better each and every week. He’s making plays in the backfield. He’s great with his hands. And he’s a smart player. He’s developing that same intelligence that ‘Bang’ has.”
Carroll said Branch’s status will be a game-day decision after he injured his ankle in last week’s victory over the Rams in St. Louis.
“We still don’t know on him,” Carroll said. “The ankle didn’t respond well enough for him to practice today. We thought he would, but he couldn’t make it.”
INJURY REPORT
Wide receiver Sidney Rice returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday to rest a sore knee.
“Sidney did very well today,” Carroll said. “He’s ready to go.”
Cornerback Byron Maxwell missed practice for the third consecutive day and is listed as questionable.
The official end-of-the-week status report:
Questionable
DT Alan Branch (ankle)
CB Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Probable
S Atari Bigby (hamstring)
DE Anthony Hargrove (hamstring)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
WR Ben Obomanu (knee/ankle)
WR Sidney Rice (knee)
For the Redskins
Questionable
WR Niles Paul (toe)
WR Donte Stallworth (foot)
Probable
LB London Fletcher (ankle)
OT Jammal Brown (groin)
S DeJon Gomes (knee)
OG Maurice Hurt (knee)
OT Sean Locklear (ankle)
OT Trent Williams (knee)
CB Josh Wilson (hamstring)
LB Keyaron Fox (infection)
S LaRon Landry (Achilles)
WR Santana Moss (hand)
MORA, MORA
Former Seahawks coach Jim Mora watched practice from the sideline with general manager John Schneider. Mora is the analyst for the telecast of Sunday’s game on FOX.
It is, however, not the same team he left after the 2009 season. Only 11 players remain from that club: defensive end Red Bryant, wide receiver Deon Butler, running back Justin Forsett, linebackers David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill, cornerback Roy Lewis, tight end Cameron Morrah, wide receiver Ben Obomanu, punter Jon Ryan, center Max Unger and Mebane.
STAT DU JOUR
The 49ers lost to the Ravens on Thursday night, but they still have yet to allow a rushing touchdown. The Seahawks have not allowed a rushing TD in their past six games and have given up five in 10 games, which ties them for third in the league – one in Week 1 by the 49ers (QB Alex Smith); two in Week 2 against the Steelers (Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman); and two in Week 4 against the Falcons (both by Michael Turner). Here’s how they stack up in the league:
Team TDs
49ers 0
Dolphins 3
Seahawks 5
Titans 5
Broncos 5
UP NEXT
The players will have a walk-through on Saturday morning, their final on-field session before Sunday’s game.
The team then faces a very short week because of the Thursday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field.
Tickets are available for both games and can be purchased here.
Fans attending Sunday’s game are reminded that the express lanes on I-90 will be closed from 7:15-11 a.m. because of the Seattle Marathon.
YOU DON’T SAY
“They have really really good stuff that they do on both sides of the ball and in (special) teams. That means that they have designs that can beat you if you’re not on the mark on your stuff. So we have tremendous respect for what they’re doing. … So we’re taking this like it’s a huge matchup for us and it’s a very difficult game.” – Carroll, looking at the Redskins’ potential rather than their 3-7 record

Source: Seahawks.com