Who will return kicks for Seahawks?

RENTON — Through the ups and downs of the past three seasons, head coach Pete Carroll’s Seahawks could count one thing being constant throughout the rebuilding process that has turned Seattle into one of the NFC’s top teams:

Regardless of what else was going right or wrong, for the Seahawks, they knew they had in Leon Washington a kick returner capable of making a big play every time he touched the ball.

Now that certainty is gone, replaced by a group of talented but mostly unproven candidates to fill the role Washington held down so well for three seasons before being released this offseason. When the Seahawks acquired Percy Harvin, they not only got a dynamic receiver, but one of the few return men arguably better than Washington — hence the decision to cut the Pro Bowl returner. But now that Harvin is out following hip surgery, a position that was once a sure thing for the Seahawks is now very much a question mark.

“We have to figure this one out,” Carroll said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with that spot yet.”

Receiver Golden Tate is likely going to take over Washington’s role as the team’s primary punt returner, and while Carroll said they like Tate as a kick returner too, the Seahawks may be hesitant to put a starting receiver on full-time kick and punt return duties.

“I am concerned about him doing both and him taking all of those reps,” Carroll said. “He’s capable and he’s good at that and all that. But I would like to get another guy as well. Have a rotation at least.”

That rotation, Carroll said, will include Tate, rookie running back Christine Michael, cornerback Jeremy Lane, receiver Bryan Walters, and cornerback Will Blackmon. Even if Harvin had been healthy, he likely would not have handled every kickoff, so finding another capable returner was going to be in the plans this preseason anyway, but Harvin’s injury makes it a much bigger priority.

“Golden can do it and he’s really well equipped to do that, so I’m OK knowing that, but we need to find out who the guys who are going to back up at this time, then see who can vie to get it done,” Carroll said. “I would love to see Jeremy Lane back there and see what he can do, because he has tremendous speed, he’s been working hard at it, and it’d be great to see Christine Michael back there to see what he can do.”

Turbin off PUP List

Carroll said running back Robert Turbin (foot) passed his physical and will come off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Carroll said Turbin would take part in Sunday afternoon’s walkthrough and practice today. Tight end Zach Miller, who is also on the PUP list with a foot injury, is not as far along as Turbin, but Carroll said the hope is to have him back by the third preseason game.

Fullback Michael Robinson was among those out of action, resting the sore ankle that sidelined him for a couple of days early in camp. Wide receiver Stephen Williams was out with a sore neck after being upended by safety Winston Guy on Friday. Linebacker Bruce Irvin sat with a groin injury, but Carroll said he thinks Irvin will be OK for Thursday’s preseason opener. Returning to action after a day off were receiver Doug Baldwin and safety Kam Chancellor. Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner was also back in action after missing two days with a sore shoulder. Defensive end Cliff Avril (hamstring) who has now missed six practices, is close to back, Carroll said, though he won’t likely play Thursday.

Fighting over a nickel

Cornerback Walter Thurmond spent a lot of time with the No. 1 nickel defense Sunday, and it looks more and more like he really will push three-time Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield for that job.

“This is going to be a real battle,” Carroll said.

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.