Normally a no-big-deal sort of coach when it comes to talking Seahawks injuries, Pete Carroll said the likely absence Sunday in Detroit of backup defensive lineman Jason Jones hurts.
“Well miss him if we cant get him out there — its really important,” Carroll said after practice. “Were starting to learn how to rush together and we have a chance
to get really good here. Its unfortunate because Jason is a big deal. Hes been
involved in a lot of stuff.”
Jones, who backs up at end and tackle, has 2.5 sacks. He’ll make the trip for the 10 a.m. match against the Lions, but is listed as doubtful. His backup is rookie seventh-round draftee Greg Scruggs.
“We like (Scruggs) playing. Hes been part of the first four guys rushing so were happy about him going,” Carroll said. They have much different styles. Jason has a whole way about him — hes so long and hes got that kind of slithering rushing style. Greg is a little more classic. Hes a better pass rusher than we thought. We didnt know that he would have the creativity that he has.”
The Seahawks will also miss wide receiver Doug Baldwin, who is out a couple of weeks with an ankle sprained against San Francisco, further diminishing the receivers group. Carroll said after his poor game against the 49ers, Golden Tate split practice reps this week with Braylon Edwards at the wide receiver spot opposite Sidney Rice.
“Both will play at that spot,” Carroll said. “I know that Golden was really disappointed in his game and he wanted to get back on track. He had a really good week. He didnt feel good about some of the plays where the ball wasnt coming to him. Hes worked very hard to make sure that he was competing every single play to be in the right spot.”
Guard John Moffitt, listed as questionable, practiced week and may be available, but will not start ahead of James Carpenter.
Besides having lost former Seahawks wideout Nate Burleson for the year with a broken leg, the Lions will miss safety Amari Spievey and cornerback Jacob Levy, both out with concussions, and linebacker DeAndre Levy is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
The game is the fourth road contest in the past five games for the Seahawks. They are 1-2, beating, barely, a bad Carolina team.
I dont think weve done a good job at it,” Carroll said of handling the road. “Until we take care of the ball, and get (takeaways) on the road, its hard.
“Last week there was not enough production in terms of taking the ball from the 49ers. They made all of the field long fields, and they kicked the ball really well and kept us backed up. We need to help each other better than that.”