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Danny O'Neil covers the Seahawks for The Seattle Times.

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August 20, 2008 9:23 AM

Mike Holmgren provides injury roundup

Coach Mike Holmgren appeared on Mitch Levy's show on KJR-AM (950) this morning before going out on the field for practice. He discussed some of the personnel specifics at the midway point of the exhibition schedule, and he also rounded up the injuries. Here's a roundup of what Holmgren said to Levy:

Center Chris Spencer has shown a great deal of improvement in the recent days and his presence on the practice field Monday was a positive step even though Spencer did not participate in 11-on-11 drills. Holmgren anticipates Spencer will be ready for the regular-season opener in Buffalo, and the coach went so far to joke he would push Spencer of the bus to make sure he was on the field to play.

The hope remains that tackle Sean Locklear will be ready for the regular-season opener. If not, Ray Willis will take his place, and Holmgren said Willis graded out pretty well from the exhibition game against Chicago. The issue was penalties.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck may not play in Monday's exhibition game at San Diego, Holmgren said. Hasselbeck sat out Tuesday's practices after his back tightened up. In most years, the third exhibition game is the one Holmgren plays his starters most extensively. Usually, they remain on the field to start the second half. Not this year, Holmgren said. "We're not doing that," Holmgren told Levy. "With the numbers and injuries we've had, I have to play it a little more carefully." Foremost in that group is Hasselbeck, who may not play. "It's only because he has to be just right for Buffalo," Holmgren said.

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Posted by Brett in Bonney Lake

9:49 AM, Aug 20, 2008

Danny has there been any discussion as to why there been so many preseason injuries around the league this year?

Any timetable on Branch?

No team for Alexander?

Will Tubbs be resigned this year?

Posted by BP

10:55 AM, Aug 20, 2008

With all the injuries at WR, any chance the Hawks make look at Joe Horn (Falcons) or trade for disgruntled Anquan Boldin (Cardinals)??

Posted by Neufer

11:02 AM, Aug 20, 2008

I should think with all the young talent on this team there would be absolutely no interest in Joe Horn. The guy may be an experienced veteran but Why Oh Why would we want to carry yet another WR on the roster, we have so many now that other parts of the team may lack in depth.

Posted by Patrick F.

11:20 AM, Aug 20, 2008

I say the Hawks make a play for Boldin. He would help alleviate the WR situation tremendously, plus he's a Pro Bowler.

Posted by Big W

11:44 AM, Aug 20, 2008

I'll take Joe Horn over any of the young and inexperienced guys we have now. They will get used an abused by any experienced secondary. I agree with Patrick to make a play for Boldin.

Posted by 12thmanforlife

12:20 PM, Aug 20, 2008

Joe Horn! Are you kidding me? He is way past his prime. Our guys are younger, faster, hungrier and more athletic. Plus they have spent at least this year, but for most of them longer, with our playbook and they know our system.

Boldin on the other hand is a beast and I would love to have him here. I just don't think the Hawks are going to make a move for him. They are pretty happy with the guys they got and I trust Holmgren, Ruskell and their scouting department.

Posted by Papahawk

2:19 PM, Aug 20, 2008

Here is my theory on why so many injuries around the league.

Part one- salaries: These guys get paid for playing in regular season games, not preseason games. If you are "sort of" hurt for a preseason game, why play? Especially when you are an established starter who is not at risk to make the team. I think both the coaches and players feel this way. Even though the coaches won't admit it.

Part two- type of injuries: Sure, there are more injuries- but are there that many more significant injuries? I don't think there are. The Hawks most significant injury is much less than what other teams have suffered.
Also- technology to know of injuries is contributing as well. Where in the past it would just be a "hurt shoulder" is now a sprained labrum. There is more medically known now...so more precautions are shared and taken.

Part three: Muscle mass- The more muscles you have that are large and getting used- the greater chance they get pulled or damaged otherwise.
Plus- big bodies running into each other must give.

But really- its about money. If these games were worth as much as regular season games- guys who play through pain would play. In other words- DJ Hackett may miss the game, but the Hasselbecks and the Brady's of the world- they play.

Posted by wabubba

4:16 PM, Aug 20, 2008

Even the Cardinals are not dumb enough to trade Boldin to a team within their division.

I would be talking to Terry Glenn (free agent) if anyone...don't necessarily think it's needed, though.