Friday in Hawkville: Trufant doubtful with hamstring issue

A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Nov. 30:

FOCUS ON

Marcus Trufant’s sore hamstring. Add the Seahawks’ nickel back to the list of injury concerns as the team makes its final preparations for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago.

“At the end of practice yesterday, Marcus felt (something in) his hamstring,” coach Pete Carroll said after today’s practice. “He’s got an issue there that we’re going to have to deal with. We put him down as doubtful. We’re real surprised that popped up. It’s going to be hard for him to get back from that.”

With Trufant out, Walter Thurmond worked as the nickel back and likely will play in his first game of the season against the Bears.

Defensive end Red Bryant (foot) and linebacker Leroy Hill (ankle) sat out practice for the third consecutive day and Carroll said their status won’t be determined until Sunday.

“Red did not do much today,” Carroll said. “We’re going to take him all the way up to game time. He’s dying to play.”

On Hill, Carroll said, “Leroy ran and changed direction, did all that kind of stuff; had a legitimate workout today. We’ll check him out tomorrow and, again, take it all the way up to game day and see how that goes.”

GONE WITH THE WIND

The players practiced outside, in windy conditions and cool weather – exactly what they’re expecting on Sunday.

“We got a great day today,” Carroll said. “I would hope that this is pretty close to what we’re going to get. It was probably in the 50s and a good windy day here. We made good use of it.”

COMPARISON SHOPPING

During last week’s game against the Dolphins, the Fox TV crew compared Russell Wilson to Fran Tarkenton, the make-plays-on-the-move, nine-time Pro Bowl QB during two stints with the Vikings (1961-66, 1972-78) and one with the Giants (1967-71).

Before being asked about the comparison, the Seahawks rookie QB was asked if he even knew who Tarkenton was.

“Of course I do,” Wilson said. “I’ve watched old clips of Fran Tarkenton play, so that’s definitely a compliment. But at the same time, I’m just trying to be Russell Wilson and just play the game the way that I think it should be played by getting the ball out and just continue to strive for greatness.

“That’s the way I always look at it, and to be compared to Fran Tarkenton is definitely a compliment for sure.”

INJURY REPORT

The official end-of-the-week status report, as issued by the team:

Doubtful

CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring)

Questionable

DE Red Bryant (foot)

LB Leroy Hill (ankle)

WR Sidney Rice (calf)

Probable

RB Marshawn Lynch (back)

DE Greg Scruggs (oblique)

Malcolm Smith and Jason Jones continued to replace Hill and Bryant with the No. 1 defense. Rice, the team’s leading receiver, sat out the end of practice after feeling a twinge in his calf.

For the Bears:

Out

WR/KR Devin Hester (concussion)

OG Chris Spencer (knee)

Doubtful

WR Alshon Jeffery (knee)

Probable

LB Lance Briggs (ankle)

RB Matt Forte (ankle)

TE Kellen Davis (ankle)

CB Charles Tillman (ankle)

DT Stephan Paea (shoulder)

OG Edwin Williams (shoulder)

STAT DU JOUR

Field position is crucial in every game, but Sunday it will start with the opening kickoff – and every kickoff that follows. That’s because the Seahawks and Bears are among the best in the league is averaging starting position receiving kickoffs, and also covering them. Here’s a look at where they rank in both categories:

Receiving team

Team                                Avg. start

Bears                                    25.9

Vikings                                 25.1

Ravens                                 24.9

Seahawks                            24.8

Dolphins                              24.2

Kicking team

Team                              Avg. start

Bears                                    19.8

Browns                                 19.8

Saints                                    20.1

Ravens                                  20.2

Seahawks                             20.4

Chargers                               20.4

UP NEXT

The team flew to Chicago after a midday practice on “No Repeat Friday,” and the weekly Saturday walkthrough will be held at a local high school.

Following Sunday’s game, the last quarter of the Seahawks’ season includes three home games against the other teams in the NFC West – the Cardinals (Dec. 9), 49ers (Dec. 23) and Rams (Dec. 30).

YOU DON’T SAY

“We’re fired up for this matchup. It’s hugely important, as these road games continue to be for us. We’re going to see if we can turn this thing and get something done on the road before we come on back home. So this is a big deal.” – Carroll