The last time the Seahawks played the Chargers, in 2010, QB Philip Rivers threw for career highs of 55 attempts (completing 29) and 453 yards. He may be tempted again to go nuts Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, given the shorthandedness in the Seahawks secondary.
Coach Pete Carroll said the latest newcomer to the wounded secondary, CB Josh Thomas, is going to play only in an emergency because he’s barely had a week at the VMAC to learn the system.
“He’s kind of an emergency status that, he could play, but that’s all we could possibly get done in a week’s time,” he said. “He is ready to play if we need him, but he needs work with us. Our style of play and things we are asking him are different from what he’s been asked before. It’s hard to really hold him responsible for everything in the short time.”
Depth has taken a hit with the injury losses of Jeremy Lane and Tharold Simon. The Seahawks had to hire from the outside with Thomas and CB Marcus Burley, who will be the starting nickel back in passing situations despite having only two weeks to get up to speed.
“Marcus is doing well,” Carroll said. “He’s a fun player and exciting guy. He’s really quick, a very aggressive kid. We feel good about him. He’s really tuned into the nickel spot and could play outside for us if we need him. He’s got a couple jobs to do on special teams too, so he’s fitting in very well.”
Two other reserve players were ruled out: RB Christine Michael and LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, both with hamstring problems.
Another is close to seeing his first NFL action. Rookie WR Kevin Norwood has recovered from surgery to remove bone spurs.
“Kevin is in great shape now,” Carroll said. “He looks very good. He’s really competing to get on the game day roster.”
The Seahawks thought enough of Norwood that they kept him on the 53-man roster even though he couldn’t play in the Green Bay opener.
“He’s such a natural football player that we felt like we understood his ability,” he said. “Right away, we just had a real sense for him. Things come to him very easily; he’s got a lot of flexibility in where he can play and what he can do. He blocks well, he can play in the slot, and play outside.
“We kind of felt pretty confident about that right off the back within the first few days we were out there.”
Depth may play more of a role Sunday with the forecast calling for clear skies and temperatures in the mid to high 90s.
“We had good hot days here, but it is going to be over 90,” he said. “It’s going to be just as hot on their side. We’re just going to go play.”