Seahawks Notebook | 2 Seahawks' suspensions open door for defensive backups

RENTON — Defensive tackle Rocky Bernard and defensive back Jordan Babineaux out, Craig Terrill and Josh Wilson in.

The Seahawks will be without Bernard, a starter, and Babineaux, the team's nickel cornerback and a key special-teams player, due to separate one-game suspensions from the NFL. That opens the door for Terrill, a fifth-year pro with two career starts, and Wilson, a second-year cornerback who will be inserted into the game on passing downs.

"He's made great strides. I've got full confidence in him," defensive coordinator John Marshall said of Wilson, who admitted he was at times overwhelmed last season.

Terrill has been part of the defensive-tackle rotation for the past several years, holding his own and having worked himself into a key reserve role. The Seahawks might need him even more this week in the absence of Bernard and with rookie Red Bryant working his way back into shape from knee surgery.

"You know what you're going to get," defensive-line coach Dwaine Board said of Terrill. "He's dependable. He understands the defense, and he understands what the offense is trying to do."

Terrill said Bernard will be missed, but he doesn't feel there is much difference between starting and coming in later. He might get close to 40 snaps in the game as opposed to the 30 or so he would normally get.

"I might get fired up for it a little bit, but as soon as the first snap goes off, it's just a regular game," Terrill said.

Friday in Renton

First, news from the injury front. Wide receiver Deion Branch got a few snaps during the team portion of practice but is out for Sunday. So is wide receiver Bobby Engram, who didn't practice.

Linebacker Lofa Tatupu took part in all of practice and is expected to play Sunday. And left guard Mike Wahle was thought to be another injury casualty until he emerged from the locker room more than halfway through practice.

He had good reason. Wahle and wife Trina had a baby boy, Maddox. It's the couple's second child. Wahle got an ovation and some hugs and handshakes from his teammates on the offensive line, then went right to work.

Willis set to start

Ray Willis has appeared in 12 regular-season games in three years as a Seahawk and has never started. That could change Sunday, when Willis will likely start in place of injured Sean Locklear at right tackle against Buffalo.

Locklear didn't practice Friday and is doubtful for the game.

Notes

• CB Josh Wilson will return kickoffs, but coach Mike Holmgren has yet to decide who will return punts.

• RB T.J. Duckett will change his uniform number from 45 to 42 starting Sunday. The 45 was former Seahawk Kenny Easley's number, and although it isn't retired, players don't wear it as a sign of respect for Easley's Ring of Honor status.