Short break over for Hawks' Jones

KIRKLAND — The somewhat prolonged absence of superstar left tackle Walter Jones had been the biggest drama of Seahawks training camp. That is, until it ended Tuesday afternoon.

Jones, one of the most decorated players in Seahawks history with seven Pro Bowl selections in 10 seasons, took part in team drills without pads. It was his first practice since last Thursday.

When Jones missed practices last Friday, coach Mike Holmgren explained he was giving his left tackle "a cookie," or time off, as in a reward for his veteran status. That was part of the reason for Jones not practicing, but so was lingering right shoulder soreness.

Following practice, Jones said he was glad to be back.

"I just felt better," he said. "The trainers did a good job of getting me back and calming my shoulder down. I just wanted to come out here and see how it feels."

Jones couldn't pinpoint when he hurt his shoulder, but he did suffer a bruised shoulder against San Diego during the 2006 exhibition season and played hurt during the regular season.

He has had right shoulder surgery in the past.

Jones said he hoped to put on pads for the morning practice today.

"I've been dealing with this shoulder for a while now, so I know what I have to do to get ready for the season," he said. "So there's no worries."

Coach Mike Holmgren was adamant Jones is not seriously injured, and he wants to make sure Jones is ready to play in the regular-season opener Sept. 9. Holmgren could decide to shut Jones down for the four-game exhibition schedule, a matter that will be discussed in a meeting Thursday to determine who will play and how much in the exhibition opener Sunday in San Diego.

Holmgren said Jones' shoulder was the main factor in his decision to rest him.

"That just triggered, 'What am I doing?' " Holmgren said. "I've got to be careful with this guy. You know, he's going to be one of our guys we are going to need to play all season and play well. So I'm probably being a little bit nice to him."

The Seahawks moved right tackle Sean Locklear to left tackle and put Tom Ashworth at right tackle with the No. 1 offense when Jones was out.

A return engagement

A word of advice to those attending the Seahawks' open practice this morning at Husky Stadium expecting to see a lot of scrimmaging:

Don't.

Practice will be like every other morning practice during training camp in Kirkland. It starts at 9:15 with stretching, individual drills and team drills. The only difference is the location.

Nevertheless, this is the last opportunity for fans to see the Seahawks work out during training camp.

"It's always kind of fun, and I think the players, more than me, I think the players look forward to it," Holmgren said. "If they have an audience and crowd, they get into it a little bit more. So it's good."

The return to Husky Stadium, where the Seahawks played the 2000 and 2001 seasons, brings back some memories for Holmgren.

"Not a lot of good memories, really," Holmgren said. "We had some wins there. I think it's difficult, not only for the Seahawks but for any team, to kind of be the renters. ... And at the time we were going through some growing pains here. There were a lot of changes. But there were some good things, too. But it was sure nice when we got into our own place."

Ten Seahawks are tentatively scheduled to sign autographs after the practice today. Deion Branch, Patrick Kerney and Lofa Tatupu are among that group expected to participate.

NOTES

• Tight end Will Heller, who had missed four of the previous five practice days because of an ankle injury, returned Tuesday.

• Linebacker Niko Koutouvides did not practice because of a chest contusion.

• Kevin Bentley worked with the No. 1 linebackers in the absence of Leroy Hill (hamstring).

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com