Pete Carroll met with reporters on Wednesday afternoon at Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center, and while much of the conversation was focused on the team’s trade for left tackle Duane Brown, which we'll highlight later this afternoon on Seahawks.com, the Seattle head coach also offered a few injury updates on key personnel.
Here's some of what Carroll had to say about injuries to Earl Thomas, Justin Britt, and DeShawn Shead as the club readies for its Week 9 game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field:
1. "We'll See On Friday" With Earl Thomas
Earl Thomas, who left last week's win over the Houston Texans with a late-game hamstring injury that left him feeling “a little sore” on Monday, isn't expected to practice until Friday this week, Carroll said.
"We've got to wait a couple days," Carroll said. "We'll see on Friday."
Veteran Bradley McDougald, a free-agent addition of the Seahawks' this past offseason, would be the one to step into the starting lineup if Thomas isn't available to play this weekend. Carroll said Seattle is confident in the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer's ability to fill in if needed.
"Very fortunately on our end of it that Bradley's been a starter in the League for years and he's got the experience, the savvy," Carroll said. "He's a playmaker, he's really tough, he's a good tackler. We have spotted him all over the place to do things in coverage as well as the running game. He's just a really, really good football player to be able to step up too.
"There's no question, we don't have any hesitation in him playing or keeping the plan and the principles intact, all of that. This is a guy that we were very fortunate to get in the offseason. I think (Seahawks general manager) John (Schneider) figured this one out early on and he's been a great addition to our team. Now he's ready to go and he's excited about it. I'm anxious to see him play."
2. Justin Britt Expected To "Be Fine And Ready To Play"
Justin Britt was questionable for last weekend's game against the Texans after suffering an ankle injury the week prior. But the Seahawks' starting center played 100 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 8, and while his workload will be limited to start this week, Carroll said Britt is doing "fine" and expects him to play against Washington.
"We're going to go light on him today just to make sure from the aftermath of the game, but he'll be fine and ready to play," Carroll said.
3. DeShawn Shead "Still Working At It"
Carroll noted cornerback DeShawn Shead is "still working" to return to practice after starting the season on the team's Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with the ACL injury he sustained in last year's playoff run.
"He's in great shape. He's done everything he can do," Carroll said. "We're just waiting for his knee to come all the way back around and I can't tell you when that's going to happen. I'm hoping it's the next couple weeks, but that's just me hoping."
Team photographer Rod Mar shares exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the Seahawks' 41-38 win over the Houston Texans during Week 8 at CenturyLink Field.
Cornerback Shaquill Griffin arrives at CenturyLink Field and walks past a mural of Seahawks stars adjacent to the locker room.
Seahawks offensive tackle Germain Ifedi smiles on the field during early pregame.
Offensive guard Ethan Pocic works on technique with assistant coach Brennan Carroll on the field early on Sunday.
Sunday's game honored "Crucial Catch", the NFL's initiative to highlight early screening for cancer, and players were encouraged to wear colors supporting the efforts.
Linebacker K.J. Wright stretches on the field.
Punter Jon Ryan warms up and hones his craft on the field during pregame.
Head coach Pete Carroll chats with musician Dave Matthews on the sideline before the game.
Pumpkins carved with the logos of the Texans and Seahawks are on display before the game.
A pregame proposal took place along the sidelines and the bride-to-be said "yes"!
Tight end Jimmy Graham and receiver Tanner McEvoy do some last-minute studying in the moments before the team left the locker room for kickoff.
After Houston struck first with a long touchdown pass, Seahawks safety Earl Thomas intercepted a pass by Houston's Deshaun Watson (on ground) and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown to even the score in the first quarter.
Paul Richardson celebrates in the end zone after his first of two touchdown receptions.
Michael Bennett brings down Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Michael Bennett kneels after sacking Houston's Deshaun Watson in the first half.
The Sea Gals performed during the quarter break.
Russell Wilson, who had a career day on Sunday, looks downfield while on the run in the second quarter.
Receiver Tanner McEvoy hauls in a 53 yard pass from Russell Wilson in the second quarter to set up a Seahawks scoring drive.
Paul Richardson celebrates his second touchdown of the afternoon on a seven yard pass from Russell Wilson.
Halloween was in the air and on the faces of 12s such as this one.
Tanner McEvoy causes Houston's Chris Thompson to fumble on a kickoff return in the second quarter.
At halftime, the defense gathered to listen to their coaches before heading out for the second half. From left are Shaquill Griffin, Richard Sherman, Delano Hill, Branden Jackson, Marcus Smith and Nazair Jones.
Head coach Pete Carroll spoke briefly to the team before they left the locker room for the second half.
Tom Cable and Pete Carroll confer before leaving the locker room for the second half.
Richard Sherman looks for daylight after intercepting a pass in the third quarter.
Tyler Lockett gets behind the Texans secondary for a long gain in the fourth quarter.
On the next play, Russell Wilson connected with Tyler Lockett on a 19 yard reception.
Seahawks kicker Blair Walsh converted the extra point to give Seattle a 41-38 lead.
Jimmy Graham is all smiles on the Seahawks sideline after his two touchdown catches in the final six minutes help lift his team to the win.
Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson and Richard Sherman meet at midfield after the game.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman thanked every person on the offense in the locker room after the win, including offensive line coach Tom Cable.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks celebrate in the locker room.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett receives an embrace from teammate Paul Richardson in the locker room after the game.
