Originally published Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Darrell Jackson on the mend

The pain in Darrell Jackson's bum toe was so great Saturday night that he had to leave the game. But a couple of days rest can do wonders...

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

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DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES

While Seahawks teammate Darrell Jackson's prognosis got better, the status of D.J. Hackett (18) is unclear.

KIRKLAND — The pain in Darrell Jackson's bum toe was so great Saturday night that he had to leave the game.

But a couple of days rest can do wonders, especially with every game now do-or-die for the Seahawks.

Jackson probably will play Sunday at Chicago, coach Mike Holmgren said in his Monday news conference, despite Jackson aggravating the toe injury in his left foot during the game.

"Actually he is feeling better now than he did Monday last week," Holmgren said. "So he'll probably get to practice at the end of the week a little bit."

Jackson was the Seahawks' leading receiver (63 receptions, 956 yards, 10 touchdowns) during the regular season but missed the last three games before returning for a time against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC wild-card game.

"All I wanted to do was play a little bit for my teammates," Jackson said Saturday after the game. "We're in the type of situation that it could be our last game, so try to suck up the pain and try to get through it as best as possible."

Another key receiver, D.J. Hackett, is dealing with a sprained ankle from the Dallas game, and his status for Sunday is less clear. Holmgren described Hackett's injury as a "basketball ankle," with the sprain on the side and not higher up.

Cornerback Marcus Trufant won't play this week as he continues to be hobbled by a high right ankle sprain. Holmgren said Trufant would have a chance to play if the Seahawks move on.

Special-teams player John Howell, signed last week, reinjured his hamstring Saturday. Howell was lost for the 2005 season with a hamstring injury and is now finished playing this year. The team could add a player to the roster by the end of the week, Holmgren said.

There was more good news besides the Jackson update. The Seahawks will start the game with the same five offensive linemen as last week: Walter Jones, Rob Sims, Chris Spencer, Chris Gray and Sean Locklear. That unit has been racked with injuries all season.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

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