At the conclusion of this mornings practice Coach Mike Holmgren announced that Bobby Engram would miss 6-8 weeks with a cracked bone is his shoulder. Engram suffered the injury on the first play against the Vikings during Friday night's preseason game. I would just like to point out that after suffering the injury Bobby returned to the game and even caught another ball. The question now is where do the Seahawks go from here and how does this change their depth chart.
The first thing the team needs to address is filling Bobby's flanker position until he returns. Most indications point to second year receiver Courtney Taylor. When asked about who might fill the flanker spot, Holmgren said with some pause, "I would say probably now that Courtney is healthy again, he was kind of the guy that we targeted for that spot." After another brief pause Holmgren tossed in the name of Rookie Michael Bumpus saying that he's made a nice run. Both players have looked great during camp. Holmgren mentioned before that he has noticed Michael's work in camp and he really admires his drive. Bumpus has also made an impact in the games, coming up with 3 catches in the team's preseason game, and a pretty amazing touchdown catch in the team's scrimmage. When Courtney has been able to participate in camp he has looked great, the guy is an amazing athlete with great speed. Courtney is also trying to polish up his hands, sticking around after practice catching 100 balls from the jugs machine and even catching 50 balls in the dark from his bed.
The injury also plays a major roll in how the team decides to fill its roster spots. Holmgren stated before that he likes to take 11 players split between the receiver and running back positions. The second injury to a key receiver strong-arms the team into keeping at least 6 wide receivers and only 5 running backs. It seems like the team has already filled 4 of those running back spots with Morris, Duckett, Jones and Weaver, creating an interesting battle between local boy David Kirtman and rookie running backs Justin Forsett and Owen Schmitt.
The injury also means the group of receivers known as the Young Guns or as Holmgren calls them the youngins has to step up their play. Looking at the current roster Nate Burleson is the only receiver with any substantial NFL experience. It looks like a dead heat between Obomanu, Kent and Payne. Logan is also suffering from a rib injury; he was held out of Friday's game and was wearing a red jersey for today's practice. Holmgren said he is hopeful that Logan will play against Chicago. Today Kent brought his preseason touchdown momentum into camp. He had several nice catches today including a shoestring snag across the middle of the field.
One spot where the difference might be made between these evenly match receivers is their contribution to special teams. I expect to see Bumpus and Kent playing a bigger role returning. Bumpus is also getting some time on the kickoff team.
More receiver injuries: The team remains hopeful that Dieon Branch will be able to return for the team's season opener. Also the guy who will be throwing them the ball, Matt Hasselbeck did not practice today, but I saw him walking around and appeared to be doing just fine.
With Dion Branch and Bobby Engram out for a few regular season games, do you think, or have you heard anything of the possibility of Seneca Wallace helping fill the receiver gap? That would certainly address the 'numbers' game as far as how many 'extra' receivers to keep on the roster. Although Bumpus seems very impressive. Any news or ideas?
Holmgren was asked about playing Seneca at receiver back in mini camp, obviously that was before Bobby’s injury (but there was also the thought that Bobby might not make it to camp with his contract issues) and he said that Seneca most likely would not take the spot of a guy who goes out there and plays receiver every day.
So far he hasn’t gotten any reps at wide receiver during camp, and don’t expect many with Hasselbeck still sidelined. I think a lot of where the team plays Seneca has to do with how Frye develops. Right now I dont think the team is comfortable enough with Charlie to chance an injury with Seneca playing WR. When asked about playing receiver or returner Seneca has stuck with the answer, I’ll do whatever the team needs.