NFC West: Mike Gibson

A few thoughts on known contract offers for restricted free agents in the NFC West:
  • The Hyphen: The Cardinals announced a second-round tender for running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, meaning any team signing Stephens-Howling would have to give Arizona a 2012 second-round choice if the Cardinals declined to match the offer. Stephens-Howling was a seventh-round pick. The fact that Arizona values him at a second-round level reflects well on him, and on the team for drafting him.
  • Amendola valued: Jim Thomas' report of a second-round tender for Danny Amendola suggests the Rams' new staff wants to keep the slot receiver. Amendola caught 85 passes in 2010, then suffered a season-ending elbow injury in the 2011 opener. He is 26 years old, has a good rapport with quarterback Sam Bradford and can contribute in the return game.
  • Secondary values: Arizona safety Rashad Johnson and cornerback Greg Toler received original-round tenders. That means Johnson would fetch a third-round pick and Toler a fourth-rounder. The knee injury Toler suffered before last season suppressed his value.
  • No Max Hall: The Cardinals retained rights to exclusive-rights free agents Rich Bartel, Alfonso Smith, Ronald Talley and Brandon Williams. They made no offer to Max Hall, a forgotten man in the team's quarterback race. Hall was once a player the Cardinals liked for his toughness and leadership, but his days in Arizona appear finished.
  • 49ers' LB depth: San Francisco had only two RFA candidates, linebacker Larry Grant and receiver Brett Swain. The team has made no announcement on its tenders, but Grant appears likely to receive an original-round offer, pegging his value to a seventh-round pick, Matt Maiocco notes. Grant played extensively on special teams and filled it pretty well at linebacker when Patrick Willis was out. The 49ers should be able to match any offers, or they could look for depth in the draft. Looks like Swain is head headed for free agency.
  • Seahawks have three: NFL Players Association records show Seattle extending a $1.26 million tender to kicker Steven Hauschka, allowing Seattle the right of first refusal. Guard Mike Gibson and cornerback Roy Lewis are the team's other RFAs. Lewis' agent said he has not yet received word from the team, which has until Tuesday to make RFA offers.

Looks like I've finally made it through a blog post without mentioning -- wait, who wrote that headline?
The Seattle Seahawks' top priorities in free agency appear clear, at least when it comes to their own players.

Re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant.

Lynch's agent of record, Mike Sullivan, recently took a job with the Denver Broncos. That would not affect negotiations as much if Lynch remained with Octagon Worldwide. The agent game can be an unpredictable one, however. That is something to file away.

Bryant has said he strongly wants to re-sign with Seattle.

The charts below expand upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added offensive and defensive snap counts from ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows what players earned per year on their most recent contracts.

The second chart shows restricted free agents. Teams can retain rights to RFAs by making one-year qualifying offers.

MNF inactives: Rams without Fred Robbins

December, 12, 2011
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SEATTLE -- The St. Louis Rams' inactive list could favor the Seattle Seahawks' run defense.

The Rams will be without veteran defensive tackle Fred Robbins, who was questionable on the injury report and did not practice during the week. Robbins' absence means more playing time for Darell Scott and Gary Gibson.

Also inactive for the Rams: quarterback A.J. Feeley, quarterback Tom Brandstater, running back Quinn Porter, fullback Brit Miller, linebacker Justin Cole and guard Kevin Hughes. Kellen Clemens will serve as the backup quarterback to Sam Bradford.

For Seattle, linebacker David Hawthorne is active. The Seahawks' inactive list features quarterback Josh Portis, safety Jeron Johnson, cornerback Kennard Cox, linebacker Adrian Moten, guard Mike Gibson, guard Paul Fanaika and defensive tackle Pep Levingston.

Week 5 rematches: NFC West vengeance?

October, 5, 2011
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NFC West teams went 0-3 last season against the teams they face in Week 5.

They lost those games by a combined 99-31 score.

Much has changed since then. Let's take a look:

Cardinals at Vikings

Score last season: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)

Key play: Brett Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the final minute of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime after the Cardinals had built a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards in the game.

Biggest change: Both teams have new quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb for Derek Anderson in Arizona, and Donovan McNabb for Favre in Minnesota. Also, the Vikings have a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) while the Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator (Ray Horton).

Storyline: McNabb keeps a home in Arizona and was available to the Cardinals when their quarterback situation was in flux, but the team showed no interest in him. He is now trying to hold off a change to rookie Christian Ponder.

Lineup changes for Arizona (12): Beanie Wells for Tim Hightower at running back, Kolb for Anderson at quarterback, Daryn Colledge for Alan Faneca at left guard, Rex Hadnot for Deuce Lutui at right guard, Todd Heap for Ben Patrick at tight end, Andre Roberts for Steve Breaston at receiver, Anthony Sherman for Reagan Maui'a at fullback (although the team opened its 2010 game at Minnesota without a fullback), Dan Williams for Bryan Robinson at nose tackle, Daryl Washington for Gerald Hayes at linebacker, Clark Haggans for Will Davis at linebacker, A.J. Jefferson for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback, Patrick Peterson for Greg Toler at cornerback.

49ers vs. Buccaneers

Score last season: Buccaneers 21, 49ers 0

Key play: Josh Freeman's 1-yard scoring pass to tackle Donald Penn midway through the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the 49ers' first home shutout since 1977.

Biggest change: Jim Harbaugh has replaced Mike Singletary as the 49ers' head coach.

Storyline: Alex Smith gets a shot at Tampa Bay after watching Troy Smith struggle against the Bucs as the 49ers' starting quarterback last season. Troy Smith's approach centered around striking for big plays. The Bucs took away the big plays. Alex Smith gives the 49ers a chance to be more efficient.

Lineup changes for San Francisco (12): Alex Smith for Troy Smith at quarterback, Joe Staley for Barry Sims at left tackle, Adam Snyder for Chilo Rachal at right guard, Bruce Miller for Moran Norris at fullback, Isaac Sopoaga for Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle, Ray McDonald for Sopoaga at defensive end, Ahmad Brooks for Manny Lawson at outside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman for Takeo Spikes at inside linebacker, Carlos Rogers for Nate Clements at cornerback, Tarell Brown for Shawntae Spencer at cornerback, Donte Whitner for Reggie Smith at strong safety.

Seahawks at Giants

Score last season: Giants 41, Seahawks 7

Key play: With Seattle already down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Giants returned Leon Washington's fumbled kickoff return to the Seattle 4, setting up Ahmad Bradshaw's touchdown run on the next play.

Biggest change: Tarvaris Jackson is the starting quarterback for Seattle. Charlie Whitehurst was a fill-in starter for Matt Hasselbeck when the teams played last season.

Storyline: The Seahawks' so-far-unproductive ground game faces a Giants run defense that has struggled. Seattle's young line improved in pass protection last week. Can it take a step forward in run blocking this week?

Lineup changes for Seattle (16): Sidney Rice for Deon Butler at receiver, Jackson for Whitehurst at quarterback, Russell Okung for Chester Pitts at left tackle, Paul McQuistan for Mike Gibson at left guard, Max Unger for Chris Spencer at center, John Moffitt for Stacy Andrews at right guard, James Carpenter for Sean Locklear at right tackle, Zach Miller for John Carlson at tight end, Brandon Mebane for Junior Siavii at defensive tackle, Alan Branch for Craig Terrill at defensive tackle, Red Bryant for Kentwan Balmer at defensive end, K.J. Wright for Aaron Curry at linebacker, David Hawthorne for Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, Leroy Hill for Hawthorne at linebacker, Brandon Browner for Kelly Jennings at right cornerback, Kam Chancellor or Atari Bigby for Lawyer Milloy, depending on Chancellor's availability.
The Seattle Seahawks went into their final exhibition game hoping injured left tackle Russell Okung would be available for the regular-season opener.

They emerged from the 20-3 victory over Oakland hoping their other starter on the left side, guard Robert Gallery, would also be available.

The knee injury Gallery suffered against his former Raiders teammates was serious enough to raise questions about his availability for Week 1. The Seahawks' left side will face a tough challenge against San Francisco in that game. Justin Smith, the 49ers' Pro Bowl defensive end, has started 155 consecutive regular-season games, easily the longest streak for active defensive linemen. It's safe to assume he'll be ready for Week 1.

Seattle went into this preseason expecting the left side of its line to serve as the foundation while the young right side found its way.

Rookie right tackle James Carpenter and rookie right guard John Moffitt remain in the early stages of development following a truncated offseason. The Seahawks will have a harder time helping them out during the regular-season opener at San Francisco if they're also funneling additional resources toward the left side.

At this point, it's arguably cruel but hardly unusual to recount the starting line combinations Seattle has used beginning last season. Tyler Polumbus, Mike Gibson, Chris Spencer, Max Unger, Sean Locklear, Ben Hamilton, Stacy Andrews and Chester Pitts started games last season. Spencer, Locklear, Hamilton and Pitts are gone.

Okung, Polumbus, Gallery, Unger, Moffitt and Carpenter have started games during the 2011 preseason. Paul McQuistan replaced Gallery during the game against Oakland.

The chart shows the 13 starting combinations Seattle has used since the 2010 regular-season opener. The final two rows show combinations used during the 2011 preseason.

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Mike Gibson, Ben Hamilton, Chester Pitts and Tyler Polumbus started at left guard for the Seattle Seahawks last season.

No wonder the team went after Robert Gallery when the free-agent negotiating period opened Tuesday.

Gallery
Gallery and Seattle agreed to terms on a three-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The contract length suggests this will be a relatively modest deal financially for Seattle, a bit of a surprise.

Gallery, 31, missed four games last season and 10 in 2009, but he's a significant upgrade at the position for Seattle. The team has struggled to find a long-term starter at left guard since losing Steve Hutchinson to Minnesota following the 2005 season.

The line has been a mess overall. Seattle started 11 combinations last season alone, but the line is taking shape. First-round draft choice James Carpenter projects as the starter at right tackle, with third-rounder John Moffitt at right guard. Max Unger will step in at center, with Gallery at left guard and 2010 first-round choice Russell Okung at left tackle.

For the first time in years, Seattle has what appears to be a coherent, sustainable and promising plan for its offensive line. Gallery's durability is the biggest concern. The Seahawks felt good about adding another veteran guard, Mike Wahle, several years ago. His injury problems prevented him from holding down the job for long, however.

Gallery's connections to new Seahawks assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable were important in getting this deal done. Both were together in Oakland for years. Gallery let it be known he wanted to leave Oakland and stay with Cable. Cable's presence means the Seahawks know what they're getting from an injury and production standpoint.

Logan Mankins and the NFC West wish list

February, 14, 2011
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Signing Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins away from New England has gone from unlikely to an even longer shot after the Patriots named Mankins their franchise player.

The NFL and NFL Players Association cannot agree upon whether the franchise tag even exists this offseason, but if it does, the tag will effectively take Mankins off the market.

It's unclear whether any NFC West team would make a strong push for Mankins given the expected price tag, but the thought had appeal for Seattle Seahawks fans still stinging over Steve Hutchinson's departure as a transition player following the 2005 season.

Floyd Womack, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Mike Wahle, Mansfield Wrotto, Steve Vallos, Mike Gibson, Ben Hamilton, Chester Pitts and Tyler Polumbus have started at left guard for Seattle since Hutchinson got away. Trading away Sims last offseason proved unfortunate once Alex Gibbs retired as line coach and Seattle stopped favoring smaller guards.

Tom Cable's hiring as offensive line coach puts Seattle in prime position to consider Oakland Raiders guard Robert Gallery, a projected free agent.

Mailbag: Assessing Seahawks' draft needs

January, 30, 2011
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Patrick from Munich, Germany writes: Recently I have been confused by the perceived needs many mock drafts list for the Seahawks. I personally would list offensive line, cornerback and quarterback as most pressing concerns. I don't see how running back keeps popping up, as I blame the lack of ground game more on the offensive line than anything else. What is your take on the situation? Where do you think Seattle has to draft most urgently?

[+] Enlarge
Russell Okung
AP Photo/Ted S. WarrenRussell Okung is the only offensive lineman guaranteed a starting job in Seattle.
Mike Sando: Running back did not show up among the Seattle Seahawks' top-five needs when I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to break them down in December. The strong running Marshawn Lynch provided during Week 17 and the wild-card round gave additional reason for Seattle to rank other positions as higher priorities to address.

Lynch and Justin Forsett are under contract for 2011. Re-signing Leon Washington would make sense. The team could use another fullback, but I wouldn't call running back a significant need.

Let's set the quarterback situation to the side for a moment. That position takes priority until Seattle feels no need to upgrade. In other words, the Seahawks need to draft a franchise quarterback if they have a chance to select one. Beyond that, I think we start with the offensive line.

Seattle used 11 starting configurations on its line during the 2010 season, counting playoffs. The team never started the same five guys in the same spots for more than three weeks at a time. Center Chris Spencer was the only offensive lineman to start every game. He is scheduled to become a free agent.

Upgrading the line would upgrade every other aspect of the offense, and even the defense, by helping Seattle to sustain drives, protect its quarterback, put points on the board, etc.

Spencer, Tyler Polumbus, Mike Gibson, Max Unger, Sean Locklear, Stacy Andrews, Ben Hamilton, Russell Okung and Chester Pitts started games for Seattle on the offensive line this season. The chart lists all the combinations.

Of those nine players, only Okung is assured a starting job, or even a a roster spot, for the 2011 season. The team will have to make decisions on where the other players fit (Hamilton is off the roster). It's easy to see why the offensive line trumps running back and every position but quarterback among need areas for the Seahawks.

NFC West: Injury situations that matter

December, 15, 2010
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Arizona: Concussion symptoms continue to sideline quarterback Derek Anderson, leaving Richard Bartel as the backup to rookie starter John Skelton. The Cardinals no longer planned for Anderson to start even if he were healthy, but they could certainly use him for depth. Skelton is making his second start. Bartel has practiced with the team for about a week. Running back Beanie Wells practiced Wednesday despite still suffering from the illness that limited him against Denver. Tim Hightower's 148-yard, two-touchdown performance against Denver gives Wells additional incentive, should he need any.

St. Louis: Cornerback Ron Bartell has enough strength back in his shoulder to resume practicing. The Rams will want their secondary closer to full strength against Kansas City, particularly if Matt Cassel is back at quarterback for the Chiefs. Left guard Jacob Bell (bruised knee) and backup running back Kenneth Darby (rib injury) are making progress toward playing, coach Steve Spagnuolo told reporters Wednesday. Bartell's status stands out as a key variable for the Rams this week.

San Francisco: The 49ers listed left guard Mike Iupati as probable with a shoulder stinger, a strong indication he'll play against San Diego. Iupati has become an effective run-blocker. Maintaining continuity also has some value, particularly with left tackle Joe Staley unavailable while he recovers from a broken leg. The team listed linebackers Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis as questionable with hand injuries. Both have missed practice time. Both have been seen wearing cast-like contraptions. I have a tough time envisioning either player missing this game after defensive coordinator Greg Manusky told reporters he expected them to play.

Seattle: Receivers Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu returned to practice Wednesday after missing Seattle's game against San Francisco in Week 14. Getting both players back is critical for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to snap out of his recent turnover streak, particularly with Deon Butler landing on injured reserve and Brandon Stokley dealing with a tight hamstring. Guard Chester Pitts is returning to practice, but I would think Mike Gibson will remain at left guard for the time being. Defensive backs Roy Lewis (knee) and Walter Thurmond (hamstring) could be limited some during the practice week.

Thoughts, notes from Seahawks HQ

November, 26, 2010
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RENTON, Wash. -- A few quick notes from Seattle Seahawks headquarters following the team's practice Friday:
  • Receiver Mike Williams showed up on the injury report Friday as questionable despite missing practice again. Williams continues to wear a protective boot on his injured left foot. The team plans to run Williams through a workout Sunday before determining his availability. Williams dominated at Arizona two days after suffering a compound fracture of a finger, so he has shown an ability to fight through injuries. Otherwise, circumstances would seem to give him little chance at playing.
  • Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu has generally been pleased with the Seahawks' run defense under the circumstances, except for the game against the New York Giants. A couple other opponents have put up strong rushing totals -- Oakland comes to mind -- without pounding out yardage from play to play. Tatupu said he's still adjusting to life without defensive end Red Bryant and nose tackle Colin Cole, the two players Seattle built its run defense around, even though their replacements have played well. It's a feel thing. Tatupu: "I always knew where Red was going to be and knew what he was going to do, and C.C. for the most part. I also felt a little freer as far as having more control over which gap to shoot." Tatupu said he's getting more comfortable with the new personnel.
  • The Seahawks have limited quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's passing reps from the beginning this season. They gave him days off during training camp and continue to limit his throws during the season, similar to a baseball manager keeping a pitch count, coach Pete Carroll said. Hasselbeck's arm appears fresher as a result. Carroll: "He seems to have maintained really good arm strength. There is no question about his ability to throw any of the stuff in the plan."
  • Mike Gibson will start at left guard after working his way back from a high-ankle sprain. Gibson started at left guard against San Francisco, Oakland and the Giants.
  • Seattle listed Williams and fullback Michael Robinson as questionable on their injury report. Eight players are probable: Gibson, Golden Tate, Chris Spencer, Hasselbeck, Brandon Stokley, Chris Clemons, Tatupu and Marcus Trufant. Trufant, who suffered a concussion last week, practiced Friday and plans to start Sunday.
  • Tate enjoyed a strong week of practices. Carroll singled him out for praise and said Tate would be part of the plan against Kansas City. Tate impressed with a leaping grab Friday.
  • The Seahawks placed rookie tight end Anthony McCoy on injured reserve. They claimed 6-foot-7, 300-pound defensive end Clifton Geathers off waivers from Cleveland.

That's it from Renton. I'll be covering the Chiefs-Seahawks game Sunday before heading to Arizona for the Monday night matchup between San Francisco and Arizona.

Continuity not on the line for NFC West

November, 25, 2010
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The last two Super Bowl teams from the NFC West -- the 2005 Seattle Seahawks and the 2008 Arizona Cardinals -- started the same five players in the same five spots every game except one.

Seattle rested left tackle Walter Jones in Week 17.

No team in the NFC West has started the same five offensive linemen each week this season.

The Seahawks have done the most shuffling. They expect to use their ninth starting combination in 11 games when the Kansas City Chiefs visit Qwest Field in Week 12.

The chart shows Seattle's starting combinations by week. The team has started the same five in back-to-back weeks twice this season. Nine offensive linemen have started for Seattle: Tyler Polumbus, Mike Gibson, Chris Spencer, Max Unger, Sean Locklear, Ben Hamilton, Stacy Andrews, Russell Okung and Chester Pitts.

.

NFC West: Injury situations that matter

November, 24, 2010
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Arizona: The Cardinals' injury report is not due until Thursday, one day later than usual, because the team is playing on Monday night. Running backs LaRod Stephens-Howling and Jason Wright could return this week, restoring flexibility to the offense and pop to the kick-return game. The team expects outside linebacker Clark Haggans to return, and just in time. Backup Will Davis landed on injured reserve with a broken leg. Rookie O'Brien Schofield could get some snaps, but the team is reluctant to play him extensively at this point. Cornerbacks Greg Toler and Michael Adams have injury concerns. Expect more details to emerge Thursday.

St. Louis: Left tackle Rodger Saffold plans to play against Denver after a shoulder injury prevented him from finishing the Atlanta game. He participated fully in practice Wednesday. Saffold has missed parts of multiple games, however. At receiver, Danario Alexander returned to practice Wednesday and declared himself ready to play for the first time since undergoing his most recent knee surgery. How the knee holds up over multiple days will determine whether the Rams can count on Alexander against the Broncos. The Rams expect to have veteran safety James Butler available. They held him out as a precaution against Atlanta.

San Francisco: The 49ers' injury report is not due until Thursday because the team plays Monday night. Joe Staley's continuing absence on the offensive line could become a more prominent storyline if the 49ers' running game continues to stall. The line struggled against Tampa Bay. Barry Sims started at left tackle in that game. Adam Snyder is a candidate to start there as well. Tight end Vernon Davis has had to fight through knee and ankle injuries this season. He expects to start against the Cardinals, but he has missed parts of games this season. On defense, pass-rusher Ahmad Brooks has had trouble regaining his form after missing the start of the season with a lacerated kidney, coach Mike Singletary suggested. That caught my attention because Brooks has previously given the Cardinals problems. He has two sacks this season after collecting three in a single game against Arizona in 2009.

Seattle: The Seahawks have not disclosed specifics on Mike Williams' foot injury. The team's leading receiver wore a boot on his foot while watching practice Wednesday. The team brought in former Seattle receiver Bobby Engram for a tryout Tuesday, but the Seahawks should be able to get by with Ben Obomanu, Brandon Stokley and Deon Butler at home if Williams misses time. On the offensive line, Seattle expects to use its ninth starting combination in 11 games after left guard Chester Pitts suffered an ankle injury against New Orleans. Mike Gibson is the favorite to start if he can get back from an ankle injury in time. Tyler Polumbus, a starter at both tackle spots, would start at left guard if Gibson were unavailable. Fullback Michael Robinson is expected back, a potential boost to the running game. On defense, Seattle remains without nose tackle Colin Cole, a concern against Kansas City's running game. It's also unclear whether cornerback Marcus Trufant will play. He suffered a concussion Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints named Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Jeremy Shockey and Darren Sharper inactive against the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle, meanwhile, has left tackle Russell Okung and slot receiver Brandon Stokley back from injuries.

Inactive for New Orleans: Thomas, Bush, Shockey, Sharper, cornerback Patrick Robinson, safety Malcolm Jenkins, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar and tackle Charles Brown. Former Seahawks Julius Jones starts at running back for the Saints. Usama Young starts at free safety. Jimmy Graham starts at tight end.

Inactive for Seattle: running back Michael Robinson, guard Mike Gibson, receiver Golden Tate, receiver Ruvell Martin, tight end Anthony McCoy, defensive tackle Colin Cole and defensive lineman E.J. Wilson. J.P. Losman is the third quarterback.

Having Okung available for the first time since Week 7 gives Seattle a shot at improving its offensive line, particularly in run blocking. Okung has battled ankle injuries this season. He has been active for only three regular-season games previously.

Playing without Robinson and McCoy, a backup tight end, limits some of the personnel groups Seattle might otherwise employ. The team used four tight ends at times last week, including with John Carlson lining up at fullback.

NFC West: Injury situations that matter

November, 17, 2010
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Arizona: The Cardinals have started the same five offensive linemen for every game this season. That changes Sunday when veteran Jeremy Bridges replaces right tackle Brandon Keith, who suffered a season-ending hamstring injury against Seattle. Bridges has generally risen to the challenge when needed, previously at left tackle. He has 43 career starts and is more experienced than Keith, which could help in a difficult environment such as Arrowhead Stadium. Arizona expects to get running back Beanie Wells on the field this week after Wells rested his surgically repaired knee last week. On defense, a shoulder injury continues to limit Darnell Dockett. The Cardinals missed him badly against Seattle and it's unclear whether he'll play Sunday.

Seattle: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will wear a wrap to protect cracked bones in his left wrist. He could have a harder time handing off or securing the football. He could have a harder time bracing himself during falls. But as he showed Sunday, he can still throw the ball effectively when given time. The Seahawks hope to get left tackle Russell Okung back from an ankle injury. Their running game is less effective without him. Hasselbeck and Okung both practiced without limitation Wednesday. The team will remain without run-stuffing defensive lineman Colin Cole. Guard Mike Gibson, fullback Michael Robinson, receiver Brandon Stokley, receiver Golden Tate and linebacker Lofa Tatupu also missed practice Wednesday. The team uses far fewer base personnel packages on offense without Robinson being available.

St. Louis: Left tackle Rodger Saffold's sprained ankle is the top injury concern for the Rams heading into their game against Atlanta. Every player on the 53-man roster practiced at least in a limited capacity Wednesday after the team placed rookie tight end Fendi Onobun on injured reserve. Saffold could not finish the game against San Francisco last week. The Rams need him because their depth is stretched thin without him.

San Francisco: Turning to Joe Nedney for a game-winning kick will not be an option for the 49ers in Week 11. The team re-signed Shane Andrus to handle kicking duties while Nedney recovers from a knee injury. Andrus spent Week 17 with the 49ers last season. He did not attempt a field goal. He has one attempted field goal in five games with three teams. Barry Sims becomes the likely starter at left tackle after Joe Staley suffered a broken left fibula. Sims played well in relief last season. He is 35 years old and owns 134 regular-season starts, including 15 with the 49ers. The 49ers placed running back Frank Gore on the injury report Wednesday. Gore participated fully in practice despite a foot injury, as did cornerback Nate Clements (ankle) and offensive lineman Adam Snyder (shoulder).

Making sense of major Week 10 injury news

November, 14, 2010
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SAN FRANCISCO -- The St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers announced their list of inactive players for Week 10 without making waves.

The situation was much different in Arizona, where the Cardinals named defensive lineman Darnell Dockett (shoulder) and running back Beanie Wells (knee) inactive against Seattle. The Seahawks named left tackle Russell Okung inactive, no surprise but a significant development nonetheless.

A look at NFC West inactives:

Arizona Cardinals: Wells, Dockett, receiver Max Komar, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, safety Hamza Abdullah, linebacker Cyril Obiozor and center Ben Claxton. John Skelton is the third quarterback. Paris Lenon is starting at linebacker despite an ankle injury. Alan Branch starts for Dockett. Branch has played well this season; he had two sacks against the Seahawks earlier this season in a breakout game for him.

Seattle Seahawks: Okung, receiver Brandon Stokley, fullback Michael Robinson, guard Mike Gibson, receiver Golden Tate, nose tackle Colin Cole and defensive lineman E.J. Wilson. Gibson provided quality depth on the offensive line. Ruvell Martin is active at receiver while Stokley and Tate recover from injuries.

St. Louis Rams: cornerback Justin King, cornerback Quincy Butler, safety James Butler, tight end Fendi Onobun, linebacker David Vobora, guard John Greco, receiver Danario Alexander and defensive end Eugene Sims. The Rams are thin in the secondary, as usual, but the 49ers aren't likely to spread the field with wide receivers all afternoon, either.

San Francisco 49ers: receiver Kyle Williams, quarterback Alex Smith, cornerback Tramaine Brock, linebacker Keaton Kristick, linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, tackle Barry Sims, tackle Alex Boone and receiver Jason Hill. The 49ers are keeping four wide receivers active, the minimum. They are healthier at tight end.
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