Left guard Mike Iupati will likely make his debut as a Seattle Seahawk this Sunday in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
Hindered by foot and calf injuries throughout the summer, Iupati missed the entire preseason. Ethan Pocic got the starting nod in his place, but the job is Iupati’s to lose, according to coach Pete Carroll.
“Mike had a really good week,” Carroll said Friday. “He was able to take the workload. Mike’s got a great chance to play in this game.”
Iupati wasn’t the only offensive lineman out hurt this offseason. Injuries to George Fant, Jordan Simmons, Phil Haynes and Demetrious Knox all required some personnel adjustments.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer wants to make sure everyone on the squad is prepared should a similar situation occur in the future.
“You’re never going to play the whole year with your whole offensive line,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer explained Thursday. “It’s just part of the game. The more our guys can play together, continuity is a big thing with the offensive line. It’s not just in games, it’s in practice.
“The more we get those guys playing in there together, that will certainly help.”
