Hawks Notebook | Bernard misses practices, but is there on game day

KIRKLAND — Rocky Bernard isn't practicing much these days. He missed Friday and every other practice this week, a pattern with him for the past several weeks because of a groin injury.

But the defensive tackle known as "Sugar Bear" is able to play on Sundays.

"Rocky's on the veteran plan," coach Mike Holmgren kidded. "Free lunches, free dinners, play on Sunday. He's missed a few [practices] but bless his heart, he plays on Sunday. I never question him that way. He's hurting and he gives us what he can on Sunday."

With six seasons here, Bernard is the longest-tenured defensive starter for Seattle. He has 25 solo tackles, 3 ½ sacks and two fumble recoveries this season, and he is popular with his teammates because of his quick laugh and wit.

Century club

Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is one touchdown from 100 in his career and is tied for eighth on the list of all-time rushing touchdown leaders. He can move into a tie for seventh with Marshall Faulk when he hits 100.

That could happen Sunday at home, something Alexander and the Seahawks would like. The question is whether Holmgren would call a play or plays to get Alexander that score.

"We're going in with the idea to win the football game first," Holmgren said, "but within that structure, if he can do that, I'd be very happy if he can do that at home."

Alexander said he'll think of guys from the past who have helped him score his touchdowns, such as former Seahawks Robbie Tobeck and Steve Hutchinson. Alexander has had 99 rushing TDs since he scored in the Philadelphia game three weeks ago.

Terrill tracks

Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill wowed teammates and team employees with his musical stylings at the Super Bowl XL postgame party in the team hotel, and now the team's resident guitar hero has his own CD.

"CT," available for $10 at myspace.com/CraigTerrill, contains 12 original songs written by Terrill. All CDs ordered this month will be autographed by Terrill.

"It's kind of cool to see the finished product," Terrill said. "It's a longer process than I thought it would be but it's been a lot of fun to do."

Terrill recorded the album in Seattle, working on it during the recent offseason. He said his musical influences include John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles.

A Ravens snub

As the Seahawks felt wide receiver Bobby Engram got snubbed in the Pro Bowl voting, the Ravens feel the same way about stubby defensive tackle Kelly Gregg.

Five-foot-11 Gregg, a sixth-round draft pick in 1999, worked his way to become a starter despite being short for his position. He is the NFL's most productive tackler for an interior lineman over the past six seasons and has 100 tackles this season, according to the team.

"That's a joke," Ravens linebacker Bart Scott. "But sometimes when your car doesn't look as good as everyone else's, nobody wants to buy it."

Said Baltimore coach Brian Billick: "You give me 11 Kelly Greggs and I'll beat you at any game you want to play."

Notes

• Two Ravens stars, LB Ray Lewis (dislocated finger) and TE Todd Heap (hamstring) are doubtful for Sunday. Lewis didn't practice all week.

• Seahawks LT Walter Jones returned to practice Friday and is expected to play. WR D.J. Hackett practiced Friday, and Holmgren said his tender ankle is better, but he isn't likely to play Sunday. Neither is CB Josh Wilson (quadriceps).

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