Matt Hasselbeck coming (back) to pass for Seahawks

By Frank Hughes | Tacoma News-Tribune • Published September 02, 2008

RENTON - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on Monday returned to practice for the first time in three weeks and promptly pronounced himself fit for the season opener against Buffalo on Sunday.

Hasselbeck has not practiced at all since Aug. 19, the Tuesday after the second preseason game against Chicago, because of a sore back. He said he suffered the injury in a practice just before the first exhibition. But he said he is fully healed now and is ready to help the Seahawks defend their NFC West title.

"I feel good. I’m excited to finally get back out there with my teammates," Hasselbeck said. "It’s been a little frustrating watching, especially because I’ve felt pretty good the last few days. But it’s nice to get out there and throw."

The Seahawks went through a light 53-minute workout in helmets and shells before they start in earnest on Wednesday. Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, tackles Walter Jones and Sean Locklear and wide receiver Deion Branch did not participate. The team is not required to issue an injury report until after Wednesday’s practice.

Also, though the team kept two kickers on its active roster, 13-year veteran Olindo Mare will kick against the Bills.

"They were almost dead even in camp," special teams coach Bruce DeHaven said. "I guess if you had to separate them, Olindo’s got a little more experience, going on the road in a big game."

Craig Terrill will start at defensive tackle in place of suspended teammate Rocky Bernard, according to defensive coordinator John Marshall, and second-year defensive back Josh Wilson will replace Jordan Babineaux, also suspended, as the team’s nickel back.

"Any time you take any starters out ... it is unsettling," Marshall said. "But by the time we get to the game, we are going to be fine."

Rookie defensive tackle Red Bryant will get more playing time with Bernard out, Marshall said. Bryant had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his knee early in camp and his first exhibition action came in the preseason finale against Oakland.