Seahawks Notebook: Robinson, Hand may not make D.C. trip

[TK]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2001782069_hawk04.html

Seahawks

Notebook: Robinson, Hand may not make D.C. trip

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

KIRKLAND — The Seahawks could be without starters Norman Hand and Koren Robinson this weekend in Washington, D.C., because of injury, though it appears that Hand's injury is more serious.

The pain in Hand's bruised toe subsided enough for him to get back into the starting lineup Sunday against Pittsburgh, but he suffered a right biceps injury on the second defensive play of the game. Coach Mike Holmgren did not specify the nature of Hand's injury, but compared it to Green Bay nose tackle Gilbert Brown's torn biceps from this past summer's exhibition season.

Brown elected not to have surgery on his arm and is playing through his pain, though he has been limited in his participation. Hand dealt with a groin injury early in the exhibition season, then bruised his toe at Arizona in Week 2.

Hand will be examined later in the week, but his playing status — at least for this week — is likely no better than doubtful.

"Norman has had this injury before on his other arm (last year with New Orleans), and it's my understanding that he didn't have surgery on that one," Holmgren said. "They're (Seahawks doctors) going to let it quiet down (rest) a little bit, then he's going to get a second opinion this week, and we'll see where that takes us."

Holmgren stopped short of saying Hand will need surgery, but that it is an option.

Hand, who was counted on to be the hole-plugging tackle and first line of defense for Seattle against the run, has four solo tackles and one sack.

Rookie Rashad Moore, who took over for Hand for most of Sunday's game, could make his first career start this week, or the Seahawks could go with veteran John Randle, although they would prefer to save Randle for passing downs.

Robinson said he will play Sunday despite what Holmgren called a bruised left ankle. Robinson twisted the ankle in the third quarter on Sunday after catching a pass. He missed the entire fourth quarter but was up and walking on the sideline with the ankle taped.

Holmgren said Robinson had an MRI taken on the ankle, and will have more information as to the nature and severity of the injury tomorrow.

"How long he's going to be out, or if he misses any games at all, we won't know for a couple days until it quiets down a little bit," Holmgren said.

"I'll be ready to go on Sunday," Robinson said.

In Trufant's corner

Holmgren has had the luxury of three cornerbacks who can start on defense at his disposal, and injury has been the determining factor in who has started games.

When Shawn Springs had to miss the first four games of the season with a shoulder injury, Marcus Trufant opened the season at left cornerback. Springs' return coincided with an ankle injury to starting right cornerback Ken Lucas, and Trufant slid over to the right in place of Lucas to make way for Springs.

Springs is still trying to find a rhythm, and Lucas played only parts of Sunday's game in his first game back since Oct. 12., which leaves Trufant as the only one of the three who has started every game.

Holmgren has been so impressed with Trufant that he doesn't see how he can keep the Tacoma native out of the starting lineup, though the coach is comfortable with any combination of the three as starters.

"I think he's been our most consistent defensive back," Holmgren said of Trufant.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com.

[inmate running the asylum]

It doesn't matter. The way the Skins are playing, Seattle doesn't need them. :laugh:

I have to laugh at the way the Skins are playing now, so I don't cry. :cry:

[Leonard Washington]

i was thinking the same thing immate. it hurts.