Seahawks Blog

Left tackle Walter Jones did not participate in practice on Monday morning, the fourth day he's missed with soreness in his shoulder.

The question is how much to make of the absence? For now, there's no indication that this is anything other than discretion getting the better part of valor. Jones is the kind of guy who plays hurt. Look at last season when he never mentioned the ankle and shoulder injuries that affected him.

But what is there to gain by playing through discomfort in training camp? For Jones, not much. It's not like the guy needs to prove his worth or own his spot. He's earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, three of those coming in seasons when he missed training camp because of a holdout.

Another thing worth noting: Ray Willis continues to work exclusively at guard during training camp. If there really was any question about Jones' long-term availability, the Seahawks would probably consider Willis at tackle, which is more his natural position. The fact that he's competing at guard is a sign there's no underlying questions about Jones' status.

To be short: Jones' absence is something worth noting, but there's no cause for panic. No alarm bells are sounding that his status is in doubt.

The roll call at practice remained the same. Guys missing: S Patrick Ghee, S Jordan Babineaux (bone bruise), FB David Kirtman (hand), TE Ben Joppru (hip), LB Leroy Hill (hamstring), Jones (shoulder), OL Floyd Womack (hamstring), TE Will Heller (ankle), WR Courtney Taylor (knee), DT Marcus Tubbs (knee surgery) and DT Craig Terrill (knee).