The Seahawks were back on the field Sunday, their first practice since a win over Denver in their preseason opener. Tackle George Fant was the one player to come out of that game with a significant injury, a sprained ankle that head coach Pete Carrol deemed "legit" following the game. On Sunday, Carroll gave updates on Fant's status, the progress of defensive end Ziggy Ansah, and other injured Seahawks:
OT George Fant
Fant's sprained ankle will keep him out for a few weeks, but Carroll said the hope is for Fant to play in the regular-season opener.
"It's legit, like second-degree type of sprain, so it's going to take him a few weeks," Carroll said. "We feel really comfortable with what George can do, he reported in great shape, really strong and all of that; we know the role that we like to play him in, so he'll just come back to us. It'll take weeks to get that done, but he'll be shooting to get back for the opener."
DE Ziggy Ansah
Ansah still isn't taking part in practice, but rather doing work off to the side with athletic trainers. Carroll said the former Pro-Bowl pass-rusher is making progress though, and could return to practice a couple of weeks before the opener.
"He's doing a really good job," Carroll said. "He's in good shape now, his strength is almost back the way it needs to be. He's getting a ton of work, he gets all the walkthrough periods that we get. He takes all the reps in those periods, so he's up scheme-wise with what's going on. We've just got to get him playing football again, and that won't happen for a bit. Again, we're going to take our time and make sure he's secure when he comes back.
"Everybody needs to practice to get ready, but Ziggy's a really good ballplayer. He has played a lot of football, he has done all things that we ask him to do in our scheme. Really he's an excellent fit for us. As long as he's up mentally and communication wise, and we can see that in the walkthroughs, we know he's making progress toward being ready. It's that last bit of shucking the block, getting your leverage right, getting your pads and all that kind of stuff, and his timing on his pass-rush. That will come when he gets back on the practice field going. Hopefully we'll get a couple of weeks before the game that he'll be back with us working, and that should be enough."
QB Geno Smith
Smith had a cyst removed from his knee over the weekend, and while the hope is that he can be back in time for Seattle's next preseason game, which is on Sunday in Minnesota, the Seahawks did sign quarterback J.T. Barrett for added depth there.
"He's out here moving around already," Carroll said of Smith. "It wasn't a ligament or cartilage repair, this is something else. He had a little cyst in there that they had to work out, they got it, so his recovery could be even before the next game, which is great. We'll see. That's probably pushing it, but he's determined to come and play against Minnesota."
G Mike Iupati
Iupati, who was working with the No. 1 offense at left guard before sustaining a foot injury early in camp, remains sidelined but could be back in a week or so.
"It's just a matter of a week or so one way or the other here, but we're not going to push him back until he's really ready," Carroll said. "He had a little bit of trouble with his foot before—this is a different sprain—but we just want to make sure that he's back. Mike looked so good early all through the offseason and all of that. We know what Mike can do and we're real confident in his playing ability and his awareness scheme-wise and all that stuff, so he's ready to go. We'll get him back and we'll take our time making sure he's well and will stay well."
LB Shaquem Griffin
Griffin was a spectator during Sunday's practice, the result of a bruised knee sustained in Thursday's game.
"He bruised his knee in the game, and we've just got to hold him out," Carroll said. "He's not quite ready to come back yet."
J.D. McKissic and C.J. Prosise
McKissic (foot) and Prosise (hip) both missed Thursday's game, but have a shot to be back later this week.
"J.D.'s day-to-day, he's just about ready to get back out there," Carroll said. "We've got to make sure we can clear this little strain that C.J. has in his hip. Both of those guys have a chance to play in the game, we'll see what happens in the next couple of days."
TE Jacob Hollister
Hollister has been out with a groin strain sustained in last weekend's mock game, but has a chance to be back for the next preseason game.
"We think Jake has a chance for the game as well," Carroll said. "He's not as day-to-day, he probably won't get work for the next couple of days, but when we come back for game week, he has a shot."
WR Amara Darboh
Darboh sat out Sunday's practice and Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury, though Carroll indicated the receiver will be back soon.
"He's just about ready to go, he's running fast and all that stuff," Carroll said. "He has a chance to get out one of these two days coming up, and we really think he'll be back next week."
