Matt Hasselbeck among ailing expected to play Sunday

RENTON — Hope and healing are essential components for the Seahawks' recovery from their loss in Oakland.

More specifically, they hope to heal. That includes players from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who suffered a concussion Sunday, to left tackle Russell Okung, who missed the game with an ankle injury but could be ready to practice Wednesday.

"That will make a big difference for us if he can get back," coach Pete Carroll said.

Seattle is expecting its quarterback to be ready.

"It sounds like it was pretty slight conditions that should be OK," Carroll said of Hasselbeck. "You still have to go through the process to make sure he's all right, but we think he'll play."

Hasselbeck was sacked eight times Sunday. He was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst for the final series, and the Seahawks ran the ball three times to run out the clock. Hasselbeck was not available to answer questions after the game.

"He got banged up just kind of in general," Carroll said. "He did get hit in the head, and had some headaches or something like that. So we're just taking care of him, looking after him, making sure he's all right."

Did the quarterback suffer a concussion?

"That's what they're calling it, because whenever you get hit in the head, you have to call it something," Carroll said.

Hasselbeck, who will have to be cleared before returning to practice, has missed games because of injury in three of the previous four seasons, but none of those absences were due to a concussion.

That was just the start of the Seahawks' triage. Six starters left Sunday's game because of injuries. Of those, only defensive end Red Bryant is considered out for this week. He suffered a right-knee injury and was undergoing tests to determine the severity.

"He's going to be out a while at best," Carroll said.

Kentwan Balmer is expected to replace Bryant at defensive end.

Left guard Ben Hamilton also suffered a concussion, which Carroll characterized as significant. Chester Pitts would replace him at left guard.

Left tackle Tyler Polumbus suffered a sprained knee, and defensive tackle Colin Cole a sprained ankle. Wide receiver Mike Williams has a bruised knee, and rookie Golden Tate suffered a sprained ankle.

There are some returns to mix in with all those injuries. Seattle expects starting defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and cornerbacks Kelly Jennings and Walter Thurmond to be ready to practice Wednesday.

If Okung returns, it would be a recovery as surprising as it is significant.

After missing five weeks and the first three regular-season games because of a right ankle injury, Okung started three games but played only six quarters before suffering an injury to his left ankle. It was described as similar to his previous injury, though not as serious. Now the Seahawks are hoping he can start practicing 10 days later.

"It is possible he'll practice on Wednesday," Carroll said. "We're looking forward to that, and then we'll see how he handles that if he can."

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