Seahawks guard Max Unger will miss season with toe injury

Seahawks guard Max Unger managed to finish Sunday's game against San Francisco after suffering an injury to the big toe on his left foot.

He just won't be able to continue the season.

Unger was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, a surprisingly sudden end for a player who started since Seattle drafted him out of Oregon in the second round last year. Unger started all 16 games last season, 13 at right guard.

His absence is just the latest uncertainty on an offensive that is already missing rookie left tackle Russell Okung and has replaced offensive-line coach Alex Gibbs.

Mansfield Wrotto took Unger's spot on the roster. Wrotto was re-signed Tuesday a little more than one week after Seattle cut him. Wrotto was a fourth-round draft choice of Seattle in 2007, and though he played tackle in training camp, he is expected to be a guard.

Whether it's Wrotto or someone else who steps in at right guard remains to be seen. Mike Gibson started at left guard for Seattle last week. Ben Hamilton, a veteran, also is a possibility.

The Seahawks released cornerback Kennard Cox on Tuesday, making room for linebacker Leroy Hill, who was reinstated after missing the season opener because of a league suspension. Hill will play this week, but is not expected to start.

The offensive line is where Seattle faces the biggest questions, though.

Okung is scheduled to begin running this week, but it has been less than five weeks since he suffered an ankle injury and there hasn't been any indication he is expected to play this week. Tyler Polumbus started at left tackle against the 49ers. Chester Pitts could also be a consideration once he is ready to play, but he is coming back from knee surgery and was inactive last week.

Seattle's pass protection was better than expected against the 49ers. The run game is where production sagged. The Seahawks rushed for 77 yards, 32 of which came on one play in the fourth quarter with the Seahawks already leading by 22.

"We missed a few opportunities by missing some assignments, but mostly we didn't execute the way we wanted to," coach Pete Carroll said. "That's about targeting really well and consistently, and working together on the combination stuff. It wasn't as good as we like it to be. We just have to keep pounding is what we have to do here."

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com