Seahawks: Flynn to start, Rice back, Moffitt out

Even though Tarvaris Jackson had some reps with the first team in practice Tuesday, Matt Flynn will start at quarterback Saturday in Denver, and rookie Russell Wilson will play most of the second half, just as it was the past Saturday in the Seahawks’ exhibition opener.

“We thought that we gained a lot of information, but we need to see it come back again,” Pete Carroll said after practice.  “So we’re going to bank on the experience that T-Jack has, that he can hold off, and push Matt and get Russell out there and see how they do again.”

Carroll said Jackson was “absolutely” still in the competition for the starting QB job.

If we cut (practice time and game time)  in thirds again . . . . we just don’t think we can do it at this time,” he said.  “This is what the plan was all along if it worked out, and it has. The fact that both guys played well just keeps in that mold that we have to see a little bit more . . . see if they can carry it over to a really good defense in Denver and see how it goes.”

Jackson has not asked for a trade, Carroll said, who acknowledged the guy who started 14 games last year is chafing a bit.

“I think this is very difficult for him and I admire the heck out of this guy,” Carroll said.  “These guys are battling to show what they know and where they are, and we have to assess that they can catch up with him. That’s what’s going on. So he’ll have to hold on for a little bit longer and we’ll know more in a week.”

It looks like WR Terrell Owens will get his first game action since signing last week.

“I would like for him to play, if he can,” Carroll said. “At least get in the game somewhere just so he can get back. That is not absolutely necessary.

“He looked very good today; he went with the first group some, as did Braylon Edwards. We will see.”

On the injury front, starting guard John Moffitt will miss two to three weeks after having elbow surgery to repair “old injuries,” Carroll said, while three receivers — Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Ricardo Lockette — returned to the practice field.

Rice, out after surgeries on both shoulders practiced full-speed for the first time, although he won’t play Saturday. Baldwin and Lockette didn’t play in the Seahawks’ 27-17 win over Tennessee, but are probable against the Broncos.

Defensive linemen Barrett Ruud (knee) and Alan Branch (ankle) also returned to practice, and backup center Lemuel Jeanpierre pulled a groin muscle and is out for awhile.