Seahawks' Sidney Rice makes progress, swapping red jersey for grass stains

RENTON — Sidney Rice wore a white jersey for Tuesday's practice, a sign of progress in his return from offseason shoulder surgeries.

The green grass stain on the front of his uniform was an even more obvious sign he's ready for some contact.

"I had to try to simulate some gamelike situations," Rice said.

Rice practiced the first two weeks wearing a red jersey, meaning no contact. That's gone this week, and Rice is now participating in team drills and even diving for balls.

Rice won't play in Saturday's exhibition game at Denver, but his practice regimen is a sign of progress and that he may be ready when the regular season begins.

"This is his first week back getting banged around, so we'll give him some time," coach Pete Carroll said.

Rice was among several players who returned to practice. Receivers Doug Baldwin (sore hamstring) and Ricardo Lockette (leg inflammation) and linebacker Barrett Ruud (sore knee) were back.

"It felt good to have those guys back out," Carroll said. "Kind of a boost in the numbers and all."

Center was the exception. Right guard John Moffitt, who has played backup center, underwent surgery on his elbow Tuesday and will be out at least a couple of weeks. Lemuel Jeanpierre suffered a groin injury in practice, which kept him out of the workout. Guard Rishaw Johnson moved to backup center behind starter Max Unger. Johnson was not snapping the ball, however, for team drills.

Miller recovering

Tight end Zach Miller did not practice Tuesday after he was injured during Saturday's game.

"He had a very slight concussion," Carroll said. "... And the day after he looks clear, but it's the process we have to go through and we're going to take great care in doing that properly."

Miller missed two weeks last year after suffering a concussion in Week 5.

Note

• FB Michael Robinson, S Jeron Johnson and DE Pierre Allen did not practice Tuesday. Carroll didn't specify their injuries but said all are expected back next week.

By Danny O'Neil Seattle Times staff reporter

By Danny O'Neil
Seattle Times staff reporter