The Seattle Seahawks have been missing a valuable couple of members of the offensive line over the last few weeks with two starters sitting out battling injuries.
Left tackle Duane Brown (biceps) has been inactive for the last two contests and right guard D.J. Fluker (hamstring) missed Week 6 but saw virtually no action Sunday against the Ravens. Both have a shot to possibly return this week.
“Fluke will be back and ready to go,” coach Pete Carroll told reporters Monday. “Fluke just barely made it back for the game. He was available to us. I think he was only in on a couple snaps in the kicking game and field goal protection. He will be ready to compete this week for playing time.”
The prognosis for Brown’s return, however, isn’t quite as promising.
“It’s a day at a time now,” Carroll said. “He’s closer, obviously, after a couple weeks sitting out. He wants to get something done on Wednesday. We’ll find out if he can. He’s determined to try to make it back. I don’t know if that’s going to work out or not.”
Brown is clearly pushing to get back in the action and Carroll needs to be diligent about listening to the medical staff.
“I’ve got someone on this shoulder and someone on this shoulder,” Carroll explained. “I’m listening to what Duane is saying, and I know what the doctors are saying so, we’ll see what happens. They’re a little more cautious, he’s aggressive and wanting to go for it. If he can, he’s going to be on the field on Wednesday. We’ll see what happens.
“We may have to protect him from himself in this regard.”
The Seahawks, with or without Fluker and Brown, resume practice Wednesday ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Falcons.
