RENTON — Seattle defensive end Cliff Avril is expected to play against NFC West rival San Francisco on Sunday, but cornerback Brandon Browner likely won’t see action.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters after practice on Friday that his team’s top free agent acquisition should play. Avril’s been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury since training camp, missing all of exhibition play, along with the Carolina game.
But for Sunday Avril is listed as probable on Seattle’s injury report.
“He could have played last week,” Carroll said. “No, he comes back and puts another week behind him, and went all the reps and took full-speed work. So we know he’s ready to go.”
Avril said he’s looking forward to experiencing — and benefitting — from the noise created at CenturyLink Field.
“I can’t wait just to get in front of the home crowd,” he said. “Hopefully I can make a few, big plays.”
Along with Avril, tight end Luke Wilson (oblique), offensive lineman Michael Bowie (shoulder), receiver Sidney Rice (knee), defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (ankle) and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (groin) all fully participated in practice on Friday, and are probable for the Seahawks
Browner did not practice all week due to a hamstring injury, and likely will miss his second consecutive game. He was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against San Francisco.
If Browner can’t play, Walter Thurmond will start.
Along with Browner, safety Jeron Johnson (hamstring) also did not practice this week and is listed as doubtful.
Defensive end Chris Clemons, returning from ACL knee surgery in January, fully participated in practice for a second consecutive day on Friday, but is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
“Chris had a great week,” Carroll said. “So he’s going to have a real chance in the next couple weeks to get back and play for us.”
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill (strained biceps) did not practice for a third consecutive week, and is listed as out for Sunday’s game.
For San Francisco, the only player on the team’s injury report is running back LaMichael James, who’s listed as questionable with a knee injury.
K.J. Wright fined $7,875
Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright received a $7,875 fine from the league for unnecessary roughness before a taunting penalty he earned during the Carolina game. Wright had words with Carolina safety Colin Jones after he pulled Jones from a scrum by both his legs.
Wright’s teammate Chris Maragos had recovered a fumble under the pile on the play.
Carolina defensive lineman Frank Alexander also received a $15,750 fine for his ejection after throwing a punch at Breno Giacomini.
“It’s football; that’s the way football should be, I think,” Giacomini said about the play. “I don’t think he should’ve got fined. Maybe a flag, but a fine? I think that’s too much, personally.”
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