Written by Mike Parker | 18 August 2009

The man who was the sole highlight of the 2008 Seahawks receiving corps -- a tight end, ironically -- had a practice this morning that had Clare Farnsworth praising the second-year Notre Dame product across the page.

I'm speaking about John Carlson, of course. With 14 players taking the morning off, Carlson apparently put on some kind of freakish clinic, making play after impressive play. Farnsworth called him "too productive." That can't be a bad thing.

But yes, you read that right -- 14 guys didn't practice this morning, including Walter Jones, whose recent early departure from yesterday's practice begs the question of whether the Hawks will consider working out another veteran tackle. (Levi Jones is still available and looks to be the best option for now.)

So, to boil it down from the morning's session:

• Non-participants included Matt Hasselbeck, Jones, Marcus Trufant, D.D. Lewis, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, Cory Redding, Ray Willis, Grey Ruegamer, Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Lawrence Jackson and Olindo Mare.
  
• Justin Forsett got reps with the first-team offense, which I would've loved to see. The coaches also seem to like what they have in Devin Moore, though he's unlikely to make the final roster this year.
  
• Daryl Tapp worked at left defensive end with the first-team defense in place of Redding.
• There was plenty of shuffling in the offensive line, which I'm afraid is something we may have to get used to until Mike Solari, Mora and Knapp find a rhythym they like. Saturday's game against Denver will serve as a good checkpoint for how progress is being made there.
• Carlson had an all but death-defying sideline catch that had the defense waving for out of bounds, but their motions didn't stop his effort. Tight ends coach Mike DeBord said Carlson gives 100 percent on every play in every drill, "and that's how you get better." This kid is a born football player if I've ever seen one.
• The players take the field at Husky Stadium tonight for an open practice from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Look for lots of reserves continue in their efforts to make a case for themselves during this one.
  

No further news is lying around out there on Walter Jones or Trufant, but if anyone sees anything, throw it our way.

< Prev		Next >