The Seahawks are operating shorthanded Sunday in Glendale, AZ., against the NFC West champion Cardinals. On the inactive list released pre-game are starters SS Kam Chancellor (pelvis) , LT Russell Okung (calf) , RG J.R. Sweezy (concussion) and TE Luke Willson (concussion).
The only mild surprise is Chancellor, whom coach Pete Carroll said was improving during the practice week. He is missing his third game in a row. Okung is missing his second, while Sweezy and Willson were hurt in Dec. 27 in the loss to the Rams.
The other inactives are CB Tye Smith, RB Marshawn Lynch and DT A.J. Francis.
It’s likely that with almost nothing riding on Sunday’s outcome, the Seahawks want to provide an extra week’s rest to the starters.
Okung is replaced by Alvin Bailey, and rookie fourth-round pick Mark Glowinski is expected to make his first career start at right guard in place of Sweezy. Kelcie McCray will start in place of Chancellor. Cooper Helfet will start at tight end and newcomer Chase Coffman will see his first action for Seattle.
The Seahawks are missing their top two running backs, top two tight ends and their most experienced two offensive linemen.
