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The Seattle Seahawks left open three rosters spots Tuesday after placing two players on injured reserve and releasing two others.

I've heard nothing new suggesting the team plans to fill one of those spots by claiming receiver Randy Moss off waivers from Minnesota.

Any team claiming Moss off waivers will be on the hook for more than $3 million in guaranteed salary, a potential consideration for Seattle as the team continues paying more than $6 million to former wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The Seahawks would presumably have more interest in Moss if he cleared waivers. The idea of placing a $3 million bet on Moss without knowing what the receiver might provide in return could dissuade some teams from placing waiver claims.

It's just unclear at this point how many teams might be willing to pay the money anyway.

Note: I thought this item included news that the team had placed Red Bryant (knee) and Ben Hamilton (concussion) on injured reserve while releasing Quinton Ganther and Nate Ness. The team also signed defensive lineman Frank Okam, formerly of the Houston Texans.

Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic checks in with a frustrated Larry Fitzgerald, whose numbers have fallen off amid quarterback issues. Fitzgerald: "I'm human. I want to be successful. I have a burning desire to be great, not just as a player, but as a team, and sometimes my emotions flow over. But as a captain, I have to keep an even keel. I don't want to give bad body language so my teammates don't think I'm not on the same page." Even great receivers usually need good quarterbacks to flourish. The Cardinals have switched from Matt Leinart to Derek Anderson to Max Hall in the past two months. Hall has been the starter long enough to get as many reps as a starter might have gotten during part of training camp.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Hall knows he must improve after leading 25 Cardinals possessions without finding the end zone. Hall: "I'm excited to kind of prove I can play better than that. When you win you get the credit and when you lose you get the blame. I definitely deserve the blame for that one. I didn't play well. I'm looking forward to fixing it."

Also from Somers: Outside linebacker Clark Haggans was the only Cardinals player to miss practice Wednesday. Haggans has a groin injury.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Beanie Wells could get more reps amid Tim Hightower's fumbling issues. Urban: "Wells missed the first two games of the season after needing a meniscus repair of his right knee. He has 53 carries in four games -- one more than Hightower, who has played in all six -- for 183 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season in Seattle. Hightower is averaging 5.7 yards per rush (298 yards on 52 carries) but has already lost three fumbles, all coming at crucial times."

Also from Urban: The Cardinals aren't getting enough offensive plays in games to explore their full game plan.

Rod Mar of seahawks.com offers photos from the team's victory over Arizona.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the coaching staff gave some players a day off Wednesday. One example: Chester Pitts worked at left guard while starter Ben Hamilton rested.

Also from Farnsworth: a look at the potential matchup between Seahawks receiver Mike Williams and Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Seahawks players sent a prank letter to guard Mike Gibson explaining that Gibson had been fined $25,000 for lifting from his chest the foot of Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett. O'Neil: "Gibson couldn't believe the fine. Neither could quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who called the NFL Players Association on Gibson's behalf to initiate an appeal. But before the team took the field for practice Wednesday, the ruse was revealed."

Also from O'Neil: Golden Tate's role remains limited while the rookie receiver learns the finer points of the pro game. Carroll: "A couple weeks ago he played 20 plays or something and he had four or five mistakes out of those 20 plays so that's more than we want. They're little things, but they're important. There might be a split, there might be depth on a route, recognizing zone versus man and how he adjusts his routes and things like that. It's just holding him back a little bit. It's just a matter of time."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com checks in with Seattle running backs Quinton Ganther and Marshawn Lynch, who played against one another as childhood friends. Lynch had some fun recalling their time together. Lynch: "I was 11 or 12 and Quinton was like 30. He was the only dude on the Pop Warner team who had a full mustache and a beard. And he used to drive to Pop Warner games. You're not supposed to be doing that. It was crazy." Lynch's sense of humor shines through in quite a few interviews.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with new Rams safety Michael Lewis, who says he's eager to play for Steve Spagnuolo, his former position coach in Philadelphia. Lewis: "He was a technician. He was very technical. He wanted you do things the right way."

Also from Thomas: Former Rams coach Mike Martz will attend the Rams' game Sunday to help retire Isaac Bruce's jersey during a pregame ceremony. Thomas: "Sunday's ceremony will be a culmination of a hectic four days for Bruce. On Thursday, he has dinner with Rams sponsors. On Friday, he meets with the media at Rams Park, and then hosts a party for team staff and players at Rams Park. Friday night is the Celebrate 80 event at Lumiere Place to benefit the Isaac Bruce Foundation -- the event is sold out. On Saturday morning, Bruce will speak to the 2010 Rams squad."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has photographic evidence showing Rams quarterback Sam Bradford held up his end of a bet with teammate Danario Alexander. Bradford had to wear a Missouri football jersey after Alexander's Tigers beat Bradford's Oklahoma Sooners. Bradford did manage to get in a shot at Missouri when asked whether he considered playing there. Bradford: "Absolutely not. I wanted to win Big 12 championships, so I went to Oklahoma."

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com offers injury updates and notes regarding Rams roster moves.

Also from Wagoner: Bruce on his relationship with St. Louis fans. Bruce: "I think I said one time before that when you become a family like the Rams became family when we were adopted into St. Louis in 1995, you knew that trials and tribulations and tests were going to come but you are always family. You don’t kick family out of the house just because you are going through a situation. You may be going through a downward swing but family is always there for each other. And family is always at its strongest when you are encouraging each other and pulling each other back up to where it should be going."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers are seeking a spark with Troy Smith at quarterback. Smith's childhood friend and 49ers teammate, Ted Ginn Jr.: "It'll take some time. We can't expect him to go in and be a Tom Brady. We just want him to go in and be Troy Smith, enjoy his time and make a difference."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers' walk-through session in London attracted about 30 media members.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com updates Troy Smith's situation while noting that Ginn will be playing in Wembley Stadium for the second time as a professional.

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News sets the scene from the 49ers' practice field in the English countryside. Brown: "Here on this converted soccer field located on the lush countryside of a remote luxury resort, Troy Smith took his first snaps as the 49ers' starting quarterback. A few sheep grazed in the distance. A few trees along the sideline had been felled to make room for an NFL-sized field. Things won't be quite so quaint for Smith on Sunday, when he faces the Denver Broncos in front of 85,000 fans at Wembley Stadium."

Also from Brown: 49ers coach Mike Singletary suggests the team is saving Takeo Spikes for later in the season, including for a possible playoff run. Spikes would rather be on the field. The bottom line for the 49ers is that they are working to get younger on defense. Taylor Mays pushed out Michael Lewis at strong safety. NaVorro Bowman is trying to do the same at Spikes' position.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says Vernon Davis isn't in London to see the sights.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers have named Troy Smith to start against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. This move reflects a season-long aversion to David Carr. Why did the 49ers sign Carr and pay him No. 2 money if they weren't going to start him when something happened to Alex Smith? Because they made a mistake. They signed Carr for the physical talent that once made Carr a No. 1 overall draft choice. They preferred that talent and long-shot upside to what Shaun Hill offered in the No. 2 role. They put raw talent before the package of traits quarterbacks need to function. And then they determined Carr was lacking in those areas. The 49ers signed Carr back in March, when Scot McCloughan was their general manager. Was McCloughan a driving force behind the move, and did Carr lose a top supporter when McCloughan left the 49ers? I do not know the answer to that question, but it's a fair one to ask. Of course, the 49ers presumably wouldn't have signed Carr and traded Shaun Hill if Singletary had been strongly against the decision. This was an organizational decision in the end. But if Singletary was ever excited about Carr, he hid that excitement well.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the move to Troy Smith comes as a surprise. It seemed unlikely Troy Smith would get the start this quickly, but with zero evidence to suggest Singletary had confidence in Carr, the prospect of Troy Smith starting at some point this season appeared likely if Alex Smith were to miss an extended period.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says fans aren't happy with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt. Bickley: "There's no doubt that head coach Ken Whisenhunt has taken a tremendous gamble with the quarterback position. He left himself exposed and is beginning to hear national ridicule for entering the season with two rookies and a Cleveland reject. It didn't have to be this way. But let's not forget how much the offense struggled under Matt Leinart's command. Truth is, the moment Warner ruined their plan, walking away from $11 million, the 2010 season became a transition year. But too many fans are acting surprised, attacking Whisenhunt's intelligence with renewed fervor. How could this happen? It's a good question, but one that should've been asked months ago, in real time, when Whisenhunt's maneuvers were met with blind faith and unanimous approval." I think there was a near-unanimous understanding that giving Leinart a full season as the starter made some sense from an organizational standpoint. Going into the season with Derek Anderson and Max Hall wasn't even discussed until very shortly before Arizona decided to go down that road.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic offers a five-step plan for the Cardinals.

Also from Somers: Hall passed his concussion test and appears on track to start Sunday.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looksof at what is new and what has changed with Arizona's offense.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders why the Rams seem to suffer second-half struggles. Miklasz: "For whatever reason the Rams start off fast, keep it going for a while, but become increasingly vulnerable in the second half. That's especially true of the offense."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams did not immediately sign any of the four defensive backs to try out recently.

Also from Thomas: The Rams' defensive players are dropping too many would-be interceptions.

More from Thomas: a chat transcript in which he says there are basic reasons the team lost at Tampa Bay. Thomas: "You can talk all you want about scheme, approach, play-calling, ability of WRs to get open. And I think those are all valid discussion points. But just tackle somebody. Sunday was easily the team's worst tackling performance of the season. LeGarrett Blount is a physical runner at 241 pounds; and he broke a lot of tackles. However, on one of the key plays of the game, the 20-yard catch-and-run by wide receiver Mike Williams on third-and-10 from the St. Louis 21, three Rams defenders had a chance to drop him to the turf for a minimal gain, and all three whiffed."

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says the Rams face big challenges off the field, not just on it. Gordon: "Discussions on the Dome lease will intensify next year, when the folks running the facility must provide specific upgrade plans. Moving the stadium back toward “state of the art” standing won’t be easy. That challenge could become even greater if Proposition A passes. That would give voters the opportunity to decide the fate of city earnings taxes. Proposition A supporters believe that earning taxes deter job growth in the city. They believe there are better ways to fund local government. The campaign is resonating with voters, according to a recent Post-Dispatch-KMOV TV (Channel 4) poll. Opponents of this initiative fear the city sales taxes would climb higher if earning taxes are phased out. The high sales tax has long been a sore spot for the owners of local sports teams."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com updates moves Seattle made around the fringes of its roster. There's a perception that Seattle is churning its roster to a degree unseen elsewhere in the NFL. That was generally true throughout the offseason and again when Seattle made a couple of trades. These moves, however, are consistent with what teams around the league do as injuries affect them during the regular season.

Also from Farnsworth: Olindo Mare will be special-teams player of the week in the NFC.

Brian McIntyre of scout.com looks at the Seahawks' personnel use against Arizona.

Also from McIntyre: Quinton Ganther's familiarity with Seattle's offense made him a natural to re-sign once Michael Robinson suffered an injury.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune looks at the Seahawks' issues in the red zone. The team converted at a good rate against San Francisco and Chicago, but the performance against Arizona -- one touchdown on seven trips -- was one of the worst I can recall seeing in an NFL game.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck rolled to his right on third-and-1, directing traffic with his left hand and settling outside the yard-line numbers at his own 38.

The Seattle Seahawks led the San Diego Chargers, 17-7, midway through the third quarter. Tight end John Carlson had about 3 yards on the nearest San Diego defender as he crossed the San Diego 40. Hasselbeck threw away the ball instead of risking a potentially tight throw. Seattle punted.

That play reflected the conservative approach Hasselbeck took throughout much of the Seahawks' eventual 27-20 victory. His head coach, Pete Carroll, has stressed turnover avoidance. Hasselbeck was coming off a three-interception game the previous week. The Seahawks were leading San Diego. The throw Hasselbeck made said, "Don't blow the game here. Let's play it safe."

There might come a time this season when Hasselbeck feels more comfortable cutting loose. My personnel charting -- on display in this file for download -- shows Hasselbeck and the passing game at their best as Seattle adds more wide receivers to the offensive huddle. Hasselbeck has thrown four of his five interceptions from two-receiver personnel despite making 56 percent of his attempts with three or more receivers on the field.

The sample size remains relatively small, but the evidence is strong. Hasselbeck is leading the NFL in completion percentage on third down, when teams usually use more wide receivers.

Seattle's passing game could become more effective from two-receiver personnel once Seattle better establishes its running game, and when the team becomes more cohesive from those groupings.

So far, Carlson and Chris Baker have shared time at tight end in the base offense (two backs, one tight end). The team appears to be settling on Michael Robinson at fullback after releasing Quinton Ganther. The rotation at receiver remains in some flux as Golden Tate earns more consideration, Mike Williams plays through a shoulder injury and Brandon Stokley becomes an option from the slot.

The first chart shows Hasselbeck's numbers against San Diego by personnel group, based on my charting. I do not count spike plays in the attempts.

The second chart shows Hasselbeck's production by personnel group through three games, also based on my charting.

Roster turnover is a leading topic for discussion in Seattle following the release of T.J. Houshmandzadeh in particular.

I've addressed the subject in depth across the division -- first May 26 and again July 30 -- and it's worth another look now that teams have reduced to 53 players for the regular season.

This time, I'm going to break down the changes by position, listing players no longer on the active roster at each main position group (with new players in parenthesis). Departures outnumber replacements because some players finished last season on injured reserve, meaning they were not part of the 53-man roster.

Some players no longer on the active roster remain with the team (they could be suspended, deemed physically unable to perform or part of the practice squad).

St. Louis Rams (34 off roster)

Defensive back: Eric Bassey, Quincy Butler, Danny Gorrer, Clinton Hart, Cordelius Parks, David Roach, Jonathan Wade (added Kevin Dockery, Jerome Murphy, Darian Stewart)

Defensive line: Victor Adeyanju, Adam Carriker, Leger Douzable, Leonard Little, LaJuan Ramsey, James Wyche (added Jermelle Cudjo, Fred Robbins, George Selvie, Eugene Sims)

Linebacker: K.C. Asiodu, Paris Lenon (added Na'il Diggs, Josh Hull)

Offensive line: Roger Allen, Alex Barron, Ryan McKee, Mark Setterstrom, Phillip Trautwein, Eric Young (added Renardo Foster, Hank Fraley, Rodger Saffold)

Quarterback: Kyle Boller, Marc Bulger, Keith Null, Mike Reilly (added Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley, Thaddeus Lewis)

Running back: Samkon Gado, Chris Ogbonnaya (added Keith Toston)

Special teams: Ryan Neill

Tight end: Randy McMichael (added Mike Hoomanawanui, Fendi Onobun)

Wide receiver: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Brooks Foster, Jordan Kent, Ruvell Martin (added Mark Clayton, Dominique Curry, Mardy Gilyard)

---

Seattle Seahawks (33 off roster)

Defensive back: Jamar Adams, Deon Grant, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson (added Kam Chancellor, Kennard Cox, Nate Ness, Earl Thomas, Walter Thurmond)

Defensive line: Lawrence Jackson, Patrick Kerney, Cory Redding, Nick Reed, Darryl Tapp, Craig Terrill (added Kentwan Balmer, Raheem Brock, Chris Clemons, Dexter Davis, Junior Siavii, E.J. Wilson)

Linebacker: Leroy Hill, Lance Laury, D.D. Lewis (added Matt McCoy; note that Hill is suspended for the first regular-season game)

Offensive line: Trevor Canfield, Brandon Frye, Walter Jones, Damion McIntosh, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto (added Stacy Andrews, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Ben Hamilton, Russell Okung, Chester Pitts, Tyler Polumbus)

Quarterback: Mike Teel, Seneca Wallace (added Charlie Whitehurst)

Running back: Justin Griffith, Louis Rankin, Tyler Roehl, Owen Schmitt (added Quinton Ganther, Michael Robinson, Leon Washington)

Special teams: Kevin Houser, Jeff Robinson (added Clint Gresham)

Tight end: John Owens (added Chris Baker, Anthony McCoy)

Wide receiver: Nate Burleson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh (added Golden Tate, Mike Williams)

---

Arizona Cardinals (24 off roster)

Defensive backs: Ralph Brown, Bryant McFadden, Antrel Rolle (added A.J. Jefferson, Trumaine McBride, Brandon McDonald, Kerry Rhodes)

Defensive line: Jason Banks (added Dan Williams)

Linebacker: Monty Beisel, Bertrand Berry, Cody Brown, Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, Pago Togafau (added Paris Lenon, Cyril Obiozor, Joey Porter, Daryl Washington; Hayes can return from the physically unable to perform list after six games)

Offensive line: Mike Gandy, Herman Johnson, Reggie Wells (added Alan Faneca, Rex Hadnot)

Quarterback: Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre, Kurt Warner (added Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton)

Running back: Justin Green, Dan Kreider (added Jerome Johnson)

Special teams: Neil Rackers (added Jay Feely)

Tight end: Anthony Becht (added Jim Dray)

Wide receiver: Anquan Boldin, Sean Morey, Jerheme Urban (added Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams)

---

San Francisco 49ers (24 off roster)

Defensive backs: Dre' Bly, Walt Harris, Marcus Hudson, Mark Roman (added Phillip Adams, Tramaine Brock, William James, Taylor Mays)

Defensive line: Kentwan Balmer, Derek Walker

Linebacker: Scott McKillop, Jeff Ulbrich, Matt Wilhelm (added NaVorro Bowman, Travis LaBoy)

Offensive line: Tony Pashos, Chris Patrick, Cody Wallace (added Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati)

Quarterback: Nate Davis, Shaun Hill (added David Carr, Troy Smith)

Running back: Thomas Clayton, Glen Coffee, Brit Miller, Michael Robinson (added Anthony Dixon, Brian Westbrook)

Special teams: Shane Andrus, Ricky Schmitt

Wide receiver: Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones (added Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams, Dominique Zeigler)

---

The first chart shows how many players are back -- at least for now -- from Week 17 rosters and injured reserve lists. Seattle has the fewest number back with 26.

The second chart shows how many players each team has shed since Week 17 last season. This counts players who were on injured reserve. Teams with lots of players on injured reserve had more players to lose.

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says former 49ers quarterback Steve Young has harsh words for current starter Alex Smith. Young on KNBR radio: "I think Alex is a competent quarterback. I think Alex understands the game, and I'm telling you there's a reaction -- similar to Matt Leinart. He can't get out of third gear. He throws the nice ball, he can drop back. But when things get fast -- fast, fast -- you can tell, he just can't quite keep up. You really can't win jobs when you can't keep up." The question for the 49ers is whether they can win games -- enough games to qualify for postseason -- with a competent quarterback. The next question becomes to what degree the 49ers will want to upgrade once Smith's contract runs out following the 2010 season.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com checks in with 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, who says he loves Michael Crabtree "like a brother" and their Wednesday dustup was a case of Davis merely keeping the second-year pro in check after some of Crabtree's unspecified antics got under his skin over time. Also, Nate Davis' job security is far from assured.

Also from Maiocco: The 49ers gave their first-team defense one final test run before the regular season.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Bruce Davis and Tramaine Brock made positive impressions in the 49ers' final exhibition game.

Also from Barrows: a look at which 49ers players are eligible for the practice squad.

More from Barrows: an unidentified 49ers player says the team has no beefs with Crabtree.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News offers a transcript from his interview with former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan. McCloughan on the 49ers team he largely assembled: "It’s a talented squad. I know in Seattle, we’re going to have our hands full playing them twice a year. It’ll be interesting with Alex, last year of his deal, I think he’s primed to have a breakout year. With the talent he has around him, it should happen. On the defense, as you’re well aware, the last two years they’ve been really solid. It hasn’t changed at all, the personality of the defense … they’re going to be a tough foe, there’s no doubt."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com singles out Deon Butler as the Seahawks' most impressive player Thursday night. For at least the second time, coach Pete Carroll calls Butler the most improved player on the team this offseason.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times noticed that Quinton Ganther started at fullback ahead of Owen Schmitt. I've questioned whether the Seahawks would have a spot for a true fullback without high value as a special-teams player or as a runner (or even as a true fullback, in this case).

Also from O'Neil: T.J. Houshmandzadeh indirectly confirms that the Seahawks have put him on the trading block. Houshmandzadeh: "It doesn't bother me. I knew before y'all knew. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't." Good luck unloading that $7 million guaranteed salary.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Houshmandzadeh appeared unhappy about the trade rumors. Houshmandzadeh: "If I leave here, that means I’m not wanted. Everybody wants to feel wanted. It’s doesn’t matter, but it’s like, 'Wow.' But that’s just how it goes. I’ve never been in a situation like this. I’ve never been a guy that wasn’t wanted. I was always wanted. So we’ll see."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have big decisions to make at quarterback. Somers: "(Matt) Leinart played two series, then was replaced by rookie Max Hall, who continued to show why he might be the team's quarterback of the not-so-distant future. (Ken) Whisenhunt acknowledged he has a tough decision to make at quarterback. Do the Cardinals keep Leinart if they can't trade him? Or do they release Leinart and go with Hall and fellow rookie John Skelton as the backups?"

Also from Somers: a 53-man roster projection that includes Herman Johnson and Cody Brown, but not Leinart or Reggie Wells.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Kurt Warner can relate to what Leinart is going through. Warner: "The one thing I hope Matt takes from my situation, if we talk through this, is that, 'Hey, it happened to me, and it happened more than once.' The only thing I knew how to do was to fight, prepare and work. And every time, I came out on top."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com passes along comments from Whisenhunt that painted a contrast between Hall and Leinart. Whisenhunt on Hall: "You have to understand this was preseason, and they weren’t doing a lot defensively. Sometimes you get a little too excited about those situations. But I like the way he handled himself and I like the way he handled our team."

Also from Urban: a closer look at Hall's performance.

More from Urban: LaRod Stephens-Howling is battling another concussion.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Sam Bradford is making this NFL stuff look easy, at least in preseason. Said Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome: "It looks like you guys have found yourselves a quarterback." Burwell: "I know it's early. I know he did this Thursday night against a Ravens defense that was loaded with second-teamers. I know that there is no way this kid will continue to look this darned good once the games start to count. Once the games start counting, a lot of things change. The intensity of the game will rise and the opposing defenses will be throwing things at him he's never seen before. I know, I know, I know, I know. But geez, every time I see him play, I can't help but think that he sure is making it look awfully easy."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at Rams players on the roster bubble.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says former Rams quarterback Marc Bulger did not always play well, but he did care.

Also from Thomas: Bradford looked very good, albeit against the Ravens' second-team defense in a game that meant nothing in the standings.

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says it seems like "a foregone conclusion" that Bradford will be named the Rams' starting quarterback for Week 1.

NFL teams have until Saturday to reduce their rosters to 53-man limits, with the 75-man deadline passing Tuesday.

I've been putting together roster breakdowns similar to this one for roughly 10 years. They're a quick read and worthwhile exercise because they require thinking through each position. The numbers in parentheses shows how many players the team has on its roster. The average number kept since 2003 reflects Week 1 counts by position.

In some cases I've used the "looking safe" category for players that could qualify as "keepers" (the term "locks" is one I used previously). The Seattle Seahawks remain somewhat unsettled at quite a few positions and they could be active in claiming players off waivers. Some players looking safe one day could become expendable quickly. The same could be said for some keepers.

Here's what I'm thinking Monday:

Quarterbacks (3)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst

Looking safe: J.P. Losman

Comment: Some teams keep only two quarterbacks when other positions demand special considerations. Seattle could have some interest in Matt Leinart if the Arizona Cardinals released him. I wouldn't expect the Seahawks to invest anything trade-wise, however.

Running backs (6)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Justin Forsett, Leon Washington, Julius Jones, Quinton Ganther

On the bubble: Owen Schmitt

Also: Louis Rankin

Comment: Schmitt isn't a top special-teams player and he isn't versatile enough to carry the ball. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates says he has room for traditional fullbacks on his roster. We'll see if that's enough to spare Schmitt. I don't think the team would release Jones even though Forsett and Washington have sometimes looked better.

Wide receivers (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Mike Williams, Golden Tate

Looking safe: Deon Butler

On the bubble: Ben Obomanu, Brandon Jones

Also: Ruvell Martin, Kole Heckendorf

Comment: Jones probably needs to make an impact over the next week, including during the final exhibition game, to prove he's worth a roster spot. Obomanu can play multiple positions, he's good on special teams and he's caught the ball when given chances. Jones has shown more during past regular seasons and he can also provide special-teams value. Butler's strong offseason should be enough. Houshmandzadeh seems to be gaining momentum following an injury-affected offseason.

Tight ends (5)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: John Carlson, Chris Baker

On the bubble: Anthony McCoy, Cameron Morrah

Also: Nick Tow-Arnett

Comment: McCoy has dropped too many passes, but he's a draft choice and he also scored a touchdown during the preseason. It's possible the Seahawks could keep four tight ends. They'll use more double-tight personnel groupings this season, most likely. Carlson and Baker are clearly the top two. I'm not sure McCoy or Morrah would rank among the 53 best players overall.

Offensive linemen (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Russell Okung, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Max Unger, Mansfield Wrotto, Mike Gibson, Ray Willis, Chester Pitts

Not sure what to think: Steve Vallos, Ben Hamilton

Also: Mitch Erickson, Jeff Byers, Joe Toledo, Gregg Peat, Jacob Phillips

Comment: This position is difficult to figure. The Seahawks expect Willis back at some point early in the season. If that holds true, the team wouldn't want to place him on injured reserve. Pitts falls into the keeper category if his knee holds up (reserve/PUP is not an option for him after Pitts passed a physical). Spencer and Unger can both play center, and Gibson could start at guard, making me wonder if there's a spot for Vallos. Hamilton entered camp as a starter. Line coach Alex Gibbs values him as a mentor for Okung. But with Gibson overtaking Hamilton recently and with Pitts getting medical clearance, Hamilton appears less valuable. Seattle might want to keep 10 while the injury situation settles out. Expect the Seahawks to check out the waiver wire, too.

Defensive line (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 9.6

Keepers: Chris Clemons, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Colin Cole, Kevin Vickerson, Nick Reed, Kentwan Balmer, E.J. Wilson, Dexter Davis

Looking safe: Quinn Pitcock

On the bubble: Craig Terrill

Also: Ricky Foley, Rob Rose, Amon Gordon, Jonathan Lewis

Comment: Clemons suddenly rivals Okung as the non-quarterback Seattle could least afford to lose. This reflects Clemons' strong play during preseason and the lack of attractive alternatives. Pitcock's youth and third-round potential could give him an edge over Terrill, at least in my view. Terrill has fought through knee trouble to remain in the mix.

Linebackers (8)

Average number kept since 2003: 6.9

Keepers: Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry, David Hawthorne

Looking safe: Matt McCoy, Tyjuan Hagler, Will Herring

Also: Joe Pawelek

Comment: Leroy Hill will open the regular season on the reserve/suspended list. He'll join the keepers once eligible. Hill, Curry and Tatupu have never played a full game together during the 2009 regular season or the 2010 exhibition season.

Defensive backs (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.9

Keepers: Marcus Trufant, Earl Thomas, Josh Wilson, Lawyer Milloy, Walter Thurmond, Kam Chancellor

Looking safe: Kelly Jennings, Jordan Babineaux

On the bubble: Kevin Ellison, Jamar Adams, Roy Lewis

Also: Cordelius Parks, Kennard Cox, Josh Pinkard, Marcus Brown

Comment: Trufant's return to form stands out as one of the most welcome developments for Seattle this summer. Thomas upgrades the coverage and playmaking ability of the secondary. The more Milloy plays, the more he looks like an enforcer type. Thurmond's return from knee surgery qualifies as the most pleasant surprise for Seattle in the secondary. Jennings' durability could be a concern. Babineaux's versatility makes him valuable even though it's looking as though the team doesn't have significant long-term plans for him.

Specialists (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: Olindo Mare, Jon Ryan, Clint Gresham

Also: Clint Stitser

Comment: Mare missed from 43 yards against Minnesota on a strange night for kickers in the NFC West. Joe Nedney and Shane Adrus missed for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Matt Leinart pointed to the Titans' frequent blitzes when analyzing what went wrong for Arizona's first-team offense Monday night. Somers: "With Matt Leinart at quarterback, the starting unit did not gain a first down in three possessions. It was only marginally better with backup Derek Anderson. But just when Anderson threatened to start a quarterback controversy, he badly missed receiver Steve Breaston on what should have been an easy 6-yard touchdown pass. Leinart knows his performance will be critiqued and criticized, but he said it was hard to deal with the Titans' blitzes without game planning."

Also from Somers: Nose tackle Gabe Watson and receiver Andre Roberts suffered sprained right shoulders. Just what the Cardinals need: another banged-up receiver.

More from Somers: Anderson's touch might be improving, but not all at once. Somers: "Anderson showed the inconsistency that's kept him from seriously challenging Leinart, at least so far. He threw a beautiful 37-yard strike to (Stephen) Williams, putting the Cardinals at the Titans 6. The Cardinals had a perfect call on the play after. Anderson faked to Beanie Wells, the Titans bit, and receiver Steve Breaston was open in the end zone. But Anderson put too much on the ball and Breaston had no chance. Coaches have been working with Anderson on showing some touch in those situations and believe he is improving. If the Cardinals score there, then we would all be talking an awful lot today about a possible QB competition." Instead, we're talking about ... a possible QB controversy.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com thinks little will come of the Cardinals' offensive struggles Monday night. Urban: "My guess is the Cards will break down the tape, see the Titans bringing the house (and Leinart under heavy pressure nearly every play), see the running game providing no support, and figure with a better game plan, Leinart would have been OK."

Also from Urban: The Cardinals will remain in Nashville before heading to Chicago for their game Saturday.

More from Urban: Larry Fitzgerald appears close to receiving medical clearance to return from a sprained knee.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says it's unclear where Brandon Jones fits in the Seahawks' receiving rotation. Jones obviously felt the situation was unsettled enough for him to compete for a spot.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times questions whether the Seahawks will keep a true fullback on their initial 53-man roster. Quinton Ganther worked ahead of Owen Schmitt in the second exhibition game.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says cornerback Roy Lewis has been "one of the pleasant surprises" during Seahawks camp. Also at corner: "(Walter) Thurmond’s play has tailed off a bit, but he still has enormous potential and would not make it through waivers if Seattle tried to put him on the practice squad. Cord Parks and Marcus Brown are likely competing for a practice squad spot."

John Morgan of Field Gulls liked what he saw from Marcus Trufant when the Seattle cornerback challenged a pass for Greg Jennings in the most recent exhibition game.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams aren't handing the starting job to Sam Bradford yet, even though Bradford will start Thursday night at New England while A.J. Feeley recovers from a thumb injury. Coach Steve Spagnuolo: "A.J.'s the starter right now (if healthy); Sam's the backup. A.J. has a little better command of the offense. If you based it on two games, A.J.'s been able to move the football team when he's been in there. That's really what we want. Sam has a little bit of a ways to go in that. But at some point, if we feel the guy that is behind the starter can do a better job, to me, that's when you make the move. I don't know if that'll be next week. If it'll be three weeks. If it'll be four weeks. Sam still has a lot of things (to learn)."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says at least one Rams player was already familiar with newly signed receiver Danario Alexander.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea offers a player-by-player review of the 49ers' offense against Minnesota. On first-round rookie tackle Anthony Davis: "Started at right tackle and played the first three quarters, taking part in 38 snaps. He was called for a false start on the second drive. He could not hold his block on Jayme Mitchell, causing Dixon to be thrown for a 2-yard loss in the second quarter. Starting defensive end Ray Edwards was difficult for him to handle, but Davis did a good job of riding him out of the picture on a third-and-11 pass to Walker for a first down to set up the 49ers' only touchdown."

Also from Maiocco: a look at the 49ers' defense, with these thoughts on Manny Lawson: "Started at sam linebacker. He came in off the edge to throw Peterson for a 3-yard loss on the first run play of the game. He also tackled Peterson for a 1-yard loss. Credited with four tackles, a very good showing, in his one quarter of work."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee singles out 10 players for their work in the 49ers' effort against the Vikings. On cornerback Phillip Adams: " The rookie broke up three passes, including a very nice play along the sideline on a throw to receiver Marko Mitchell. He also led the 49ers with four tackles. Adams is trying to be the fifth cornerback on the active roster. The fact that he is a strong, big-bodied corner helps his cause because he can contribute on special teams."

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat looks at the 49ers' competition between LaBoy and Diyral Briggs at outside linebacker.

Also from Barber: What's up with the 49ers' return game? Barber: "(Bobby) Guillory, signed Aug. 11, got all five punt returns against the Vikings, and both kickoff returns. There are two ways to interpret this: (1) The 49ers really want to give Guillory a good look before making a decision. Or (2) they know just what they have in (Ted) Ginn and (Dominique) Zeigler, and can rest them for the regular season." The latter option makes more sense. The team does seem high on Kyle Williams on punt returns.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald is frustrated a knee injury will sideline him because, in Fitzgerald's words, he was enjoying his best camp as a professional. Also quarterback Matt Leinart apologized for missing his postgame media obligations Saturday night, blaming a miscommunication.

Zach Buchanan of the Arizona Republic says undrafted rookie receiver Stephen Williams has a shot at a roster spot. Williams stood out to me early in Cardinals camp for two reasons: he's unusually rangy at 6-foot-5 and 208 pounds, and he appeared more comfortable than most rookies.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Cardinals backup quarterback Derek Anderson looks good until he throws the ball. Urban: "Anderson was lucky he didn’t throw a third interception (it was dropped). It’s funny, he looks so confident in there. I liked his pocket presence. But the passes just don’t connect. Some of that was his accuracy, a couple of times, the receivers have to make the play." It's early and Anderson should improve as he spends more time in the offense. Interceptions have been a problem for him in the past, however.

Also from Urban: Cardinals rookie quarterback John Skelton looks good.

More from Urban: Second-round draft choice Daryl Washington made a positive statement in his first exhibition game for the Cardinals. Washington will make it tough for the Cardinals to leave him off the field as early as Week 1. It's not as though the Cardinals are stacked at inside linebacker, either. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "He showed up. There were a couple of times I noticed he got stuck on some blocks. He’s going to have an adjustment to the speed of this game and going against some of the bigger guys. When you have the speed he has and can make plays, it’s all about getting him reps."

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers' first-team offense struggled Sunday, but quarterback Alex Smith faced no questions about his starting job. Smith: "I felt good, but we didn't get it done. I was getting rid of the ball. For a couple of reasons, me and some of the receivers are off a little bit, just not finishing passes. I've got to get that ironed out."

Also from White: Backup running back Anthony Dixon fared well against the Colts.

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' Kyle Williams and Will James were playing well until injuries felled both.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offers notes from the 49ers' performance Sunday. Maiocco: "Rookie right tackle Anthony Davis and left guard Mike Iupati played the entire first half and saw limited work in the second half with the second stringers. On the 49ers' second possession, Davis was called for a false start and he was beaten by Robert Mathis for a quarterback pressure."

Also from Maiocco: items on the 49ers' first-team offense, first-team defense, second-team offense, second-team defense, second-half offense and second-half defense.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says David Baas and Ricky Jean-Francois looked good for the 49ers, but question marks persisted elsewhere.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com sees potential for improvement this season on the Seahawks' defense. Rookie cornerback Walter Thurmond has been a surprise in camp. I could see him fighting for a spot in the nickel defense. He would give the Seahawks needed size and a physical presence. The key, of course, is for Thurmond to continue getting stronger physically following knee reconstruction.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times asks what the Seahawks learned from their exhibition opener. Among the answers: "Cornerback Josh Wilson isn't ready to relinquish a starting job. He became a backup last season after the Seahawks signed Ken Lucas only to earn it back. And when training camp opened, Kelly Jennings was working with the first-unit defense. Well, Wilson not only started Saturday's game, but he made a heck of a play to drive on a ball and pick off Vince Young in the first quarter." It's baffling to think Wilson might not have been one of the starters, but also a sign the new staff isn't reading as much into what happened in the past. As noted, the Seahawks have the potential to improve their secondary with Wilson in the lineup and Thurmond coming off the bench. The fact that rookie Earl Thomas can cover well enough to play corner if needed provides additional flexibility.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Seahawks rookie Russell Okung fared well in his first exhibition game.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Charlie Whitehurst enhanced his profile with a strong showing at quarterback for Seattle.

John Morgan of Field Gulls lists Whitehurst, defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson and running back Quinton Ganther as "big winners" from the Seahawks' opener.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says injuries have severely limited the Rams at cornerback. Coats: "Three cornerbacks were unavailable: Ron Bartell (ankle), Bradley Fletcher (knee) and Justin King (calf). Then rookie Jerome Murphy went down with an ankle injury in the first minute of the second quarter. Dockery left later with a hip pointer."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says poor pass protection was the Rams' primary concern coming out of their exhibition opener. Thomas: "(Sam) Bradford absorbed four of those sacks on just 17 called pass plays. Getting sacked roughly once every four pass plays isn't a recipe for success. At that rate, Bradford -- or anybody else -- may not make it into November healthy." Or September, for that matter.

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says the Rams do not plan to "panic" after one rough outing by their offensive line, according to coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Five thoughts after the Seattle Seahawks opened their exhibition season with a 20-18 victory against the Tennessee Titans:

• Charlie Whitehurst has to feel better about things after completing 14-of-22 passes for 214 yards, with two touchdowns, one interception and a 107.0 rating. Whitehurst hasn't pushed Matt Hasselbeck for the starting job, and this performance changes nothing on that front. But it was still a step forward.
• Rookie receiver Golden Tate has been a star in camp, but Mike Williams and Deon Butler were the more productive receivers. Williams' 51-yard touchdown reception from Whitehurst showcased his improved conditioning. Williams looked lean. The effort he showed in blocking for Justin Forsett earlier in the drive also stood out. It's easy to forget about veteran wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh when watching the youth-oriented Seahawks under Pete Carroll. I wonder where he'll fit heading into the regular season.
• Defensive end Red Bryant made a couple strong plays against Titans tackle Michael Roos. Fellow defensive linemen Kevin Vickerson, Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane also looked good in this game. The Seahawks had to like what they saw from their best pass-rusher, Chris Clemons, as well. Clemons lacks size by NFL standards, but he showed good power in getting to the quarterback. Clemons is eager to prove himself. Is this something he can sustain?
• First-round choice Russell Okung missed the beginning of camp, but it was tough to tell. I noticed him diving at defenders' legs in the Alex Gibbs zone tradition.
• Julius Jones remained the invisible man in the Seahawks' backfield. Forsett, Quinton Ganther and Louis Rankin each had runs covering at least 13 yards. Forsett had a 30-yard reception. Jones had five carries for 13 yards. He does most things pretty well, but rarely does Jones stand out. We'll have to wait at least another game before seeing Leon Washington in action. Washington might have more flair than any runner on the roster.

I'm hitting the road here shortly for the drive from St. Louis to Indianapolis. I'll check in from the San Francisco' 49ers exhibition opener against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. I've got some Rams notes left over from Saturday night as well. Will post those as time permits.

Julius Jones' future with the Seattle Seahawks appears safer now that LenDale White will not be a factor for the team.

I've still wondered what the team's new offense would mean for traditional fullbacks -- guys without much running ability. It's a subject we discussed on the blog in May, and one I raised with Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates as camp was beginning.

Seattle's base personnel group on offense does feature two backs, including a traditional fullback, but the team is expected to use two tight ends extensively (at the expense of a one-dimensional blocking back).

"When we were at Denver, we ran a lot of base and then all of a sudden our running backs got hurt, so then Peyton Hillis had to play tailback and we lost our fullbacks," Bates said. "We are going to be a base running team. That is part of the personnel group. We're going to have a fullback in there and he's going to have to block and be able to get out on the edge and run keepers, also. We will definitely use a fullback. We have some great eight-man runs where we don't have to check it or anything. We can just call it and run it. Having a fullback back there helps you block the safety."

Bates' offense owes its roots to Mike Shanahan, his former boss in Denver. The chart shows how many fullbacks and running backs the Denver Broncos kept on their opening-day rosters under Shanahan from 2004 through 2008. Bates was on those staffs beginning in 2006.

"In the zone-running offense, the offensive line [runs] a lot of stretch," Bates said. "The one guy who is going to punish somebody is the fullback."

The Seahawks list Owen Schmitt and Ryan Powdrell as true fullbacks. Running back Quinton Ganther can also play the position.

Jones, Justin Forsett, Leon Washington and Ganther appear likely to earn roster spots as running backs. Keeping Schmitt or Powdrell would give the team five total backs, a common number on 53-man rosters. Teams usually keep between four and six backs. Louis Rankin is also competing for a spot at running back.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune settles for an imaginary interview with Seahawks offensive line coach Alex Gibbs. Gibbs generally declines interviews and he encourages his linemen to do the same, apparently out of some notion that individual anonymity promotes the team concept. League rules require cooperation, however, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has enforced those rules by levying fines of $10,000 in other cases, including once against Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. If the rest of the team has to honor its obligations, what makes the offensive linemen so special? Are they above the team? Not in general and certainly not in Seattle, where the offensive line has been a huge problem, the team just drafted a left tackle sixth overall and Gibbs' hiring stands as a key storyline to the season.

Doug Pacey of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with Ricky Foley, a former CFL pass-rusher hoping to stick in Seattle. Pacey: "Foley is one of seven defensive ends on the roster and the Seahawks will probably keep only four or five. Seven-year veteran Chris Clemons has the inside track on a starting role, while Nick Reed and Lawrence Jackson appear to be in line to make the team, too. That leaves one or two available spots up for grabs. Foley doesn’t have the pedigree that the other defensive ends possess."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com checks in with Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant, who has become a key figure on defense for the team. Coach Pete Carroll: "Red has come out smoking," head coach Pete Carroll said of Bryant's first three days of full camp. "I am so fired up about that change. He's just in the right position now for him. He's so long-levered and he can run well for a big man. He's really taken to it. He's an outgoing kid with a lot of juice that he brings to the practice field. Every defensive coach loves to see that. This is a big moment for him, to step into a starting position and see if he can hold onto it through camp. I'm really pleased with everything that has happened there." I've heard only good things about Bryant's transition from tackle to end.

Also from Johns: Carroll offers positive reviews on the Seahawks' running backs. Carroll: "I'm real happy with the running backs. We've seen really good work from Julius (Jones) and Justin (Forsett) and Quinton Ganther, who has done a really good job and also played some fullback. That group seems very solid right now. And all the while we know Leon (Washington) is waiting to come out."

More from Johns: The Seahawks waived/injured seventh-round choice Jameson Konz, then claimed Gregg Peat off waivers. Konz will revert to injured reserve once he clears waivers.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson provided the most explosive play from a Seahawks defender.

More from O'Neil: Aaron Curry's affinity for JuJuBes.

John Morgan of Field Gulls says pass-rusher Chris Clemons exceeds modest expectations. The man Seattle traded for Clemons, Darryl Tapp, enjoyed strong training camps almost annually, but it didn't always translate to the regular season.

RENTON, Wash. -- News and notes following the first training camp practice of the Pete Carroll era in Seattle:

• Receiver Mike Williams checked in at 233 pounds and passed a conditioning test requiring receivers to run 20 sprints of 60 yards in 8 seconds apiece. Williams' body fat is also down. This is a big deal for Seattle because Williams is so obviously talented -- if only he could stay in shape. He's stayed in shape to this point and made an impact in practice. Seattle fans used to seeing undersized corner Kelly Jennings bounce off Larry Fitzgerald of the division-rival Arizona Cardinals instead saw Jennings bounce off the 6-foot-5 Williams, who snatched the ball cleanly and didn't seem to notice Jennings.
• Williams appeared to be in an affable mood. After spotting rookie receiver Golden Tate speaking with reporters, Williams broke into the conversation and jokingly asked Tate to carry his shoulder pads. Everyone got a laugh out of it.
• One-on-one pass-rush drills are a staple of NFL training camps and one of the more entertaining and instructive drills. I did not see the Seahawks hold any Saturday and it's looking like line coach Alex Gibbs prefers to have the line work together -- exactly as they'll need to do when running his zone scheme. The scheme depends on all five players working together, so there's less emphasis on individual matchups.
• Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has no reservations about Matt Hasselbeck's ability to run bootlegs, which are a staple of the new offense. I'll develop this angle later in camp, but it's important for Hasselbeck to move well -- and Bates thinks it's a non-issue based on what he's seen.
• Deion Branch made a few impact plays, including when he stayed with a deflected ball, made the grab and turned upfield. It's good news for Seattle that the oft-injured Branch is practicing to open camp, but we'll want to see how his surgically repaired knee holds up over multiple practices.
• Players wore shoulder pads and shorts with helmets. Some wore full-sized pads, not the lighter "shells" players often wear with shorts. There was a fair amount of hitting, particularly with running backs. Quinton Ganther ran over one defensive back whose jersey number was tough to see.
• Leon Washington participated in individual drills and was limited the rest of the time. He did not run with the ball during team drills. Washington said the plan is to ease back into a full workload. Coaches are monitoring his participation.
• Rookie Walter Thurmond participated wearing a brace on his right knee. I didn't see him do much, but he was out there and in pads. Thurmond is coming off serious knee surgery. Fullback Owen Schmitt, cornerback Josh Pinkard (knee) and newly signed offensive lineman Chester Pitts (knee) opened camp on the physically unable to perform list. They count against the 80-man limit but cannot practice without first passing a physical examination. Schmitt had his left elbow wrapped.
• Linebacker David Hawthorne, the NFL's last unsigned exclusive-rights free agent, signed in time to practice.
• Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck described the atmosphere under Carroll as "fun, fresh" and invigorating. At one point this offseason, Carroll asked Hasselbeck and No. 2 quarterback Charlie Whitehurst to find a receiver so they could work on various throws. The receivers had just finished running, however, so Hasselbeck didn't ask one of them to participate. The 58-year-old Carroll wound up running routes for both quarterbacks despite a bad knee. Hasselbeck said he sensed Carroll was trying to throw the balls back to the quarterbacks with more velocity than Hasselbeck or Whitehurst had shown -- an example of the coach's competitiveness.
• Hasselbeck also described an "old-school, new-school" feel. On the old-school side, linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. told the team Friday night that curfew was at 11 p.m. and the hotel where the team was staying would be turning off the in-room phones at that time. The 34-year-old Hasselbeck said he took the information in stride, but some younger players weren't sure what Norton was talking about. They had grown up with cell phones and had no use for hotel phones, anyway.
• Temperatures were in the 50s at practice and breezes off nearby Lake Washington added a chill to the air. Players said they were hoping for warmer weather this afternoon.
• Thomas and fellow first-round choice Russell Okung remained unsigned. Okung's absence made it tough to evaluate combinations on the offensive line. Ray Willis worked at left tackle with the starters. Mansfield Wrotto worked at left tackle with the second unit. They need Okung, in other words. They might also need Pitts, who is recovering from microfracture knee surgery.
• About 1,500 fans watched practice from a hill adjacent to the practice field.
• The Seahawks' roster lists Hill at 238 pounds and Lofa Tatupu at 250 pounds. Those are not official. Tatupu appeared trimmer to me. Hill appeared heavier.
• Cornerback Kennard Cox put a big hit on receiver Ben Obomanu.
• Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, acquired from the Tennessee Titans, certainly looks the part. Seattle lists him at 6-5 and 320 pounds. Note: He left practice with a wrap on his left knee at one point. Not sure of the severity.

Carroll did not address reporters following the morning practice. The team practices again at 7 p.m. ET. I'll be heading to Arizona for a few days at Cardinals training camp beginning Sunday. The plan is to check back at Seahawks camp next week.

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks each had two running backs with at least 100 carries in each of the past two seasons.

Seattle has had two 100-carry backs in each of the last four seasons, including two when Shaun Alexander was still with the team.

The trend toward using more than one primary running back could affect the NFC West again this season. The Cardinals' Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells both figure to carry the football extensively unless Wells breaks out this season. The Seahawks' Justin Forsett and Julius Jones could share carries again, with Leon Washington and Quinton Ganther also possibly becoming factors.

The chart, pulled from Matthew Berry's fantasy column via Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information, shows how many teams have had more than one running back with at least 100 carries in each of the past 10 seasons.

We can see how prominent the St. Louis Rams' Steven Jackson and the San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore have remained in their offenses even though both have fought injuries in recent seasons. None of their teammates has reached 100 carries in a season since each was a rookie. Even if one suffered a serious injury, it's unclear whether any of the current backups would be good enough to command most of the carries consistently.

San Francisco 49ers

Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughlan, now a senior executive with the Seahawks, has a new perspective on life and football (scroll down to the second headline at boston.com). “I understand now that the job can’t consume your life,’’ the 39-year-old said last week. “I’m still young, and I still love football. But it was consuming my life, and it’s just not as important as your health or taking care of your family.’’

Seattle Seahawks

Running back Quinton Ganther was arrested in Sacramento, Calif., on suspicion of driving under the influence.

St. Louis Rams

Another look at the late Don Coryell's impact in St. Louis.