Seahawks drop Plackemeier, Forsett, Kent; add Ryan

Following a stinging season-opening loss at Buffalo, the Seattle Seahawks began making changes Tuesday by releasing punter Ryan Plackemeier, running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Jordan Kent.

The moves to release Forsett and Kent are likely to open a pair of roster spots for nickel back Jordan Babineaux and starting defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, both of whom missed the opener under league suspension. Seattle also placed receiver Nate Burleson on injured reserve.

Plackemeier, who was the Seahawks punter for the last two seasons, struggled in the opener, including a pair of 22-yard punts among his 11 kicks against the Bills. Buffalo's Roscoe Parish also returned a punt for a touchdown in what was an awful day for Seattle's special teams.

The Seahawks signed veteran punter Jon Ryan to take Plackemeier spot. Ryan kicked for two seasons in Green Bay, averaging 44.5 yards per punt, but was released at the end of training camp. Ryan agreed to a two-year deal.

Releasing Kent only leaves Seattle thinner in its beleaguered wide receiver corps. The Seahawks lost Burleson for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee on Sunday, and don't expect Bobby Engram back until after their bye on Sept. 28. Deion Branch continues his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery, but coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that Branch's return is still unknown.

Playing in his first NFL game, Kent did not have a catch on Sunday against the Bills. He spent all the 2007 season on the practice squad after being a sixth-round draft pick out of Oregon.

His release leaves Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne as the only healthy receivers on the Seahawks' roster, although Seattle is looking to add a veteran before hosting San Francisco on Sunday. The lack of depth could also mean increased time at receiver for backup quarterback Seneca Wallace.

Forsett was a preseason star for Seattle after being a seventh-round pick this year, and was one of the final choices on the 53-man roster. Should he clear waivers, the Seahawks could keep the diminutive running back on their practice squad.

Bernard violated the league's personal conduct policy. He was arrested in April for allegedly hitting his girlfriend in the head at a nightclub and received a two-year continuance of a charge of domestic violence.

Under an order from Seattle Municipal Court, the 300-pound lineman must have no contact with the woman for two years and must attend domestic violence treatment. He also must have no other violations and own no firearms during that period, and must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

The former first-round pick is earning $4 million in the final year of a $13 million, three-year contract extension he signed in 2006. He lost $235,294 for being suspended without pay.

Babineaux was fined a second game check for violating the league's substance abuse policy. At a base salary of $610,000 this season, he will lose $35,882.