At The Half, New York Giants Dominating Seattle Seahawks, 35-0

The New York Giants are having no trouble with the Seattle Seahawks or Qwest Field, jumping out to a lead 35-0 at halftime. The 35-0 margin is the Giants largest halftime lead since 1959.

Charlie Whitehurst has been completely ineffective for the Seahawks, throwing for 64 yards and two interceptions, both in the redzone. For the Giants, Eli Manning has been nearly perfect, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. The Seahawks have turned the ball over three times, including a Leon Washington fumble on a kickoff leading to a Giants touchdown.

Ahmad Bradshaw has two touchdowns on the ground, easily plunging into the end zone twice from deep in Seattle territory. Hakeem Nicks caught four passes for 94 yards and a touchdown and Giants tight end Kevin Boss added another score.

The Seahawks offense has been downright inept in the first half for a second straight week, gaining only 81 total yards through two quarters. Marshawn Lynch has just 16 yards on the ground and Brandon Stokley leads the Seattle receivers with 26 yards on two catches. Sean Locklear continues to struggle with the Giants’ defensive line, picking up two holding penalties in the first half.

Earl Thomas limped off the field late in the first half with an apparent ankle injury. Tight end Chris Baker left the game with a foot injury and his return is questionable.

The Seahawks will try to regroup at the half and find a way to get on the board against a Giants defense that has looked flat dominant so far.

New York Giants Up Big On Seattle Seahawks After First Quarter, 21-0

The first quarter went about as expected for the Seahawks, as the offense couldn’t move the ball and the Giants dominated the Seahawks’ defense, jumping out to an early 21-0 lead. Eli Manning threw for 109 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Hakeem Nicks on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Ahmad Bradshaw added 19 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The Seahawks were completely ineffective early, failing to gain a first down on the first three possessions of the game. Charlie Whitehurst was 3-7 for three yards, missing badly on more than a few throws. Marshawn Lynch added 11 yards on four carries.

Leon Washington fumbled a kickoff midway through the first, leading to another Giants score. Special teams, offense and defense have all been awful, putting the Seahawks in a hole that will be difficult to climb out of and silencing the typically raucous Qwest Field crowd.

Seattle Seahawks Week 9 Inactive List

The Seattle Seahawks inactive list for today's game against the New York Giants features four linemen, a quarterback and a playmaking receiver. On the defensive line, both Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane are out, as expected, creating a hole up front for Seattle. Defensive end Red Bryant was already placed on injured reserve earlier this week and newly acquired defensive tackle Frank Okam is also inactive today, leaving the Hawks woefully thin up front.

Russell Okung is still unable to play on his injured ankle and his replacement, Tyler Polumbus, is also inactive. Chester Pitts, one week removed from seeing his first action since undergoing microfracture surgery, will start at left tackle. Golden Tate is also inactive after spraining his ankle late in last weekend's loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Matt Hasselbeck is inactive after failing his concussion test earlier in the week. The team's emergency quarterback, Michael Robinson, is also inactive. The Hawks signed quarterback Zac Robinson from the practice squad yesterday in case Hasselbeck's replacement, Charlie Whitehurst, goes down against the Giants relentless pass rush.

ESPN's Mike Sando tweeted the full inactive list this morning.

Seattle Seahawks Friday Injury Report

The Seattle Seahawks are limping towards Sunday’s game against the New York Giants after finishing up practice today at the VMAC. Head coach Pete Carroll was less than optimistic about Russell Okung’s status for Sunday, saying the left tackle is “as doubtful as you can get.” Rookie wide receiver Golden Tate will not play this weekend after suffering an ankle injury late in last Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders.

On the defensive line, tackle Colin Cole did not practice and will not play this weekend. Brandon Mebane was limited in practice again and is questionable for Sunday. With defensive end Red Bryant already out for the season, the Seahawks defensive line is woefully thin this week.

On the offensive side of the ball, tackle Tyler Polumbus is listed as questionable. Chester Pitts, fresh off his return from micro-fracture surgery, will step in at left tackle regardless of whether or not Polumbus is ready to go. Mike Williams made is return to practice and Carroll was optimistic he would play. Fullback Michael Robinson, who doubles as the emergency quarterback, is listed as doubtful. If Robinson can’t play, the Seahawks are left without an emergency quarterback in the event Charlie Whitehurst goes down.

The banged-up Seahawks host the New York Giants this Sunday at Qwest Field.

New York Giants Thursday Injury Report

The New York Giants finished up practice earlier today and released their second injury report of the week. Osi Umenyiora, following his typical weekly routine, practice on a limited basis for the Giants after sitting out yesterday. Tackle Kareem Mackenzie and LB Garrett Wilkinson were both back in action and listed as full participants today.

Two offensive linemen, William Beatty and Shaun O’Hara, were still dealing with foot injuries and remained sidelined. Beatty is not expected to play but O’Hara is questionable for Sunday’s game. Running back Madison Hedgecock was out again on Thursday, recovering from a hamstring injury. Defensive end Dave Tollefson was a new addition to the injury list, missing practice due to an illness.

The full injury report can be found at the NFL website.

Seattle Seahawks Thursday Injury Report

The Seattle Seahawks still have a lengthy list of players on the injury list follow today’s practice at the VMAC. The focus was on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck today after he was ruled out of this weekend’s game against the New York Giants. Backup Charlie Whitehurst will start in his place.

The offensive line and wide receiver spots are looking thin ahead of this weekend’s game. Mike Williams and Golden Tate both sat out nursing injuries from last weekend’s game against the Oakland Raiders. On the offensive line, Russell Okung has yet to return from an ankle injury and his replacement, Tyler Polumbus, also sat out against today. Defensive tackle Colin Cole also sat out, resting his injured ankle.

The Seahawks did get some good news, however. Brandon Mebane returned to practice, on a limited basis, after missing the last three games with a calf injury. For a defensive line with so many injuries, his return was a welcome one. Chris Spencer, Jordan Babineaux and Chris Clemons also returned to practice today.

The full injury report for the week can be found here.

Matt Hasselbeck Out This Weekend As Seahawks Host Giants; Charlie Whitehurst Will Start

Matt Hasselbeck was unable to pass the concussion test, ruling him out for this weekend’s Seattle Seahawks game against the New York Giants. Charlie Whitehurst, who looked solid in the preseason, will receive the starting nod.

Hasselbeck has completed 135 of his 236 passing attempts this season, throwing for 1,408 yards and six touchdowns through the first seven games of the season. This past week against the Oakland Raiders, Hasselbeck completed just 13 of his 32 pass attempts and was sacked eight times in the 33-3 loss.

The 28-year-old Whitehurst, drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, hasn’t played in a regular season game since his rookie season when he appeared in two games during garbage-time as Phillip Rivers’ backup on the San Diego Chargers.

ESPN reports that the Seahawks are expected to sign rookie Zac Robinson off the practice squad to be Whitehurst’s backup.

Seattle Seahawks Sign Three More

With three open roster spots, the Seattle Seahawks moved quickly to fill the vacancies and shore up some of the depth issues plaguing them. Dealing with a massive injury list, the Seahawks needed players to fill-in — and fill-in now. With most of the defensive line out due to injuries, the Seahawks added Jay Richardson, a former Houston Texans defensive lineman. They also added wide receiver Ruvell Martin, a casualty of the roster cuts before the season, and offensive lineman Chris White, another former Texan.

The three signings follow the addition of former Houston defensive end Fran Okam. The Seahawks must have been awestruck with the Houston roster over the last two days, adding three different cast-offs from the Texans.

Of the four signings, two players are defensive lineman — taking the spots of Red Bryant and adding depth while Brandon Mebane and Colin Cole are out — one offensive lineman — an effort to replace Ben Hamilton and shore up the depth that’s lacking — and a wide receiver — to fill-in for the injured Golden Tate. Nine weeks into the season and the Seahawks are so plagued by injury that they’re scrambling to quickly fill-in the blanks.

New York Giants Wednesday Injury Report

The New York Giants had last week off to rest and recover, but are still dealing with some lingering injuries. Center Shaun O’Hara is questionable for this weekend’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. O’Hara is recovering from a mild Lisfranc sprain. Osi Umenyiora, a staple on the Giants’ weekly injury report, showed up again today with a knee injury. Umenyiora typically takes a day or two off from practice before getting back into action and playing on Sundays.

Tackle William Beatty, recovering from a foot injury, will not play but was doing some individual work on the side. Madison Hedgecock may make his return this weekend and was doing individual drills during practice. On the plus side for New York, Hakeem Nicks, Lawrence Tynes and Keith Bulluck were all healthy and ready to go for this weekend’s game.

You can find the full injury report here.

Seattle Seahawks Wednesday Injury Report

The Seattle Seahawks hit the field after their customary day off and had a substantial number of players sitting out due to injury. Colin Cole — out this weekend — and Golden Tate were mentioned earlier, but were just the beginning of the walking wounded for the Hawks. The Seahawks did get some good news in the secondary, however, as both Kelly Jennings and Walter Thurmond were expected to practice today.

The Seattle Times’ Danny O’Neil had the full pre-practice injury report on his blog.

Though quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did sit out today, he is expected to play after suffering a concussion against the Oakland Raiders. Hasselbeck was feeling fine but still must pass the standard concussion test to be cleared for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Mike Williams is questionable for Sunday with a thigh bruise but Carroll was optimistic about his chances. Red Bryant and Ben Hamilton, both of whom were injured against the Raiders, are on injured reserve and out for the year. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane was not expected to practice today, but may finally make his return this weekend after missing the last three games.

Chris Spencer was a late scratch from practice. Spencer, the starting center, was dealing with a sore neck. On the defensive line, Chris Clemons was given the day off by the coaching staff for reasons that are unknown. In all, 10 Seahawks missed practice. Jordan Babineaux was also slowed due to injury, only practicing on a limited basis.

The offensive line also took a hit Sunday, with tackle Tyler Polumbus suffering a knee injury. He was not expected to practice and his status for Sunday is in serious doubt. Carroll thought Russell Okung, sidelined last week with another ankle injury, may be able to play this weekend, but he wasn’t expected to practice this week.

Add them all together and you have a banged-up Seahawks team preparing for a well-rested Giants team. Not exactly the recipe for success.

Colin Cole Out This Weekend, Golden Tate Doubtful

Starting defensive end Colin Cole, a standout this year for the Seahawks, will not play this weekend because of an ankle injury suffered against the Oakland Raiders. Rookie receiver Golden Tate is also looking doubtful for Sunday's game against the New York Giants after landing awkwardly in the fourth quarter against the Raiders, injuring his ankle as well. The Seahawks are banged up as they get into the meat of the practice schedule ahead of this weekend's game.

The Everett Herald's John Boyle tweeted the news from the VMAC today.

The Seahawk run defense takes a serious hit without Cole in the lineup. From his nosetackle spot, Cole has been jamming the middle over the first half of the season, slowing down opponent's running games and apply pressure in passing situations. With Brandon Mebane still nursing a calf injury and Red Bryant on injured reserve, the Hawks are perilously thin up front. Junior Siavii will step in for Cole on the line.

Without Tate, the Seahawks lose a game-breaking threat in the passing and return game. The rookie has shown signs of life as he's adjusted to the NFL game.

Red Bryant, Ben Hamilton Placed On Injured Reserve

Defensive end Red Bryant and offensive guard Ben Hamilton both suffered season ending injuries against the Oakland Raiders and were placed on injured reserve today. Bryant, a standout at defensive end after moving outside from tackle, suffered a serious knee injury against the Raiders that head coach Pete Carroll was not optimistic about after the game. Hamilton was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss the rest of the season.

The Seattle PI's Greg Johns tweeted the moves today.

In addition to Bryant and Hamilton, the Seahawks released cornerback Nate Ness and fullback Quinton Ganther. With four open roster spots, the Seahawks signed former Houston Texans defensive end Frank Okam. With the rash of injuries the Hawks have suffered recently, Okam's addition won't be the last this week.

Stay tuned for more on the Seahawks roster moves as they become available.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. New York Giants News And Notes

The Seahawks took a pound in Oakland last weekend, both on the scoreboard and to their bodies. Numerous Seahawks players limped off the field during the game, headlined by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The season goes on, however, and it doesn't get any easier for the Hawks. This weekend, Seattle welcomes the New York Giants, and their fierce pass rush, to Qwest Field.

Hasselbeck, under siege most of the day, was "dinged up" according to head coach Pete Carroll after the game. We found out yesterday that Hasselbeck suffered a concussion sometime during Sunday's game against the Raiders, leaving his status for this weekend up in the air. In order to play, Hasselbeck must pass the standard concussion test and be cleared by the Seahawks medical staff. The Seattle Times' Danny O'Neil had more from Carroll.

"You still have to go through the process to make sure he's all right," Carroll said, "but we think he'll play."
[...]
"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."

Hasselbeck wasn't the only Seahawk that left Oakland banged up. Red Bryant (knee), Golden Tate (ankle), Colin Cole (ankle), Tyler Polumbus (ankle), Mike Williams (bruised knee), Ben Hamilton (concussion) and Brandon Stokley (oblique) all suffered injuries that were addressed by Carroll. Of those, Red Bryant's knee injury was the most serious. Tate was in a boot yesterday and the team is taking it day-by-day.

Russell Okung was inactive last weekend, taking time to recover from another sprained ankle, but should make his return to practice this Wednesday (via The Seattle PI's Greg Johns)

On the upside, Carroll hopes rookie left tackle Russell Okung can return to practice by Wednesday after sitting out Sunday's game with a sprained ankle and Chester Pitts came through his first game in 14 months in pretty good condition.

With more injuries besieging the offensive line, Okung's return is desperately needed. The line struggled to block, both for the running backs and in pass protection, leading to Hasselbeck throwing under pressure all day and a run-game that was stuck in neutral, if not reverse. If the prized left tackle can stay healthy, it'll go a long way towards jump starting the Seahawk offense.

It doesn't get any easier for the line this week when the New York Giants come to town. Known for their relentless pass-rush and superb defensive line, the task of blocking the Giants appears to be a daunting one. The Giants will be without defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who's season is finished after being placed on injured reserve last week.

The New York Giants placed defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka on injured reserve with a herniated disk in his neck on Thursday.

For the second time in four seasons, Kiwanuka's year is finished because of injury. But this time, his Giants career could also be over since he is in the final year of his contract.

The Giants defensive line still creates headaches, even without Kiwanuka. Osi Umenyiora and the gang, which now includes rookie Jason Pierre-Paul, have knocked out plenty of quarterbacks this year, the biggest of which was Tony Romo in week six. I have a feeling they'll be just fine against the Seahawks.

Kiwanuka had four sacks in just three games and played defensive end and linebacker for Perry Fewell.

However, the Giants defense has been more than fine without Kiwanuka. Osi Umenyiora had seven sacks and six forced fumbles in the first three games Kiwanuka was out.

The Giants and their relentless defense visit Qwest Field to take on the Seahawks this Sunday at 1:15 p.m. on Fox.