The Seahawks used some extra rest between games to not only get in a productive week of practice—"You could see the legs were there," head coach Pete Carroll said—but also to get healthier heading into their Week 16 game against Arizona.
Two players left last week's win over the Rams with injuries, and both defensive end Michael Bennett and punter Jon Ryan appear to be on track to play against the Cardinals Saturday.
"Mike practiced today," Carroll said of Bennett, who injured his neck while making a tackle for loss in last week's game. "He's fine and ready to go."
Punter Jon Ryan still has to officially be cleared after sustaining a concussion last week, but he was listed as full participant in practice, and Carroll said Ryan could be cleared later in the day Thursday.
"Jon's not officially cleared yet, today is his day to get that done," Carroll said. "It looks like he's in good shape. We'll find out after his meetings (with doctors) today."
Linebacker Brock Coyle practiced fully for the second day in a row, indicating he has a good chance to get back after missing four games with a foot injury.
In non-injury personnel news, Carroll talked a bit about the two running backs Seattle added earlier this week, J.D. McKissic, who was claimed off of waivers from Atlanta, and Terrence Magee, who was signed off of Cleveland's practice squad.
Carroll acknowledged that McKissic, who played receiver in college and with the Falcons, doesn't have much of a background at running back, but called him a "very natural athlete" who could have a role once he settles in.
"He's a really special athlete," Carroll said. "He can do a lot of stuff. He can kick return—he scored in the preseason—he has great catching range, he's got fantastic hands, he has really special quickness. We're looking to see what we can do with him in a unique way. It's going to take us a couple of weeks to do that, but just the little workout we did today at the end of practice was very impressive. I'm just trying to get more information on what he's capable of doing. We'll see, we're going to try to sculpt something up here and see if we can't fit him in."
Carroll said Magee, who was with Seattle briefly earlier this season, provides depth to "make sure we're deep enough (at running back). We have liked him in the past, very aggressive football player, good special teams guy too, he's a good all-around guy."
Here are the Thursday practice reports for both teams:
Seattle Seahawks
Did not participate in practice
RB C.J. Prosise (shoulder)
CB Richard Sherman (not injury related)
Full participation in practice
DE Michael Bennett (neck)
P Jon Ryan (concussion)
LB Brock Coyle (foot)
Arizona Cardinals
Did not participate in practice
CB Marcus Cooper (back/calf)
T D.J. Humphries (concussion)
CB Brandon Williams (back)
Limited participation in practice
WR John Brown (illness)
S Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder)
Full participation in practice
CB Justin Bethel (foot)
