Notebook | Sean Locklear should start at tackle

RENTON — Sean Locklear returned to the field in Seattle's last game, against St. Louis.

He is expected to return to his spot at right tackle this week against the New York Giants.

Locklear missed the first two regular-season games because of a knee injury suffered in Seattle's second exhibition game. Ray Willis played well in Locklear's absence. Locklear returned for two plays against the Rams, but lined up as a third tight end in goal-line running plays. He checked in as an eligible receiver but didn't have a route.

Now, Locklear will step back into the spot at right tackle, and Floyd Womack will remain at right guard. Willis worked with the scout-team offensive line during Monday's workout.

"Ray Willis did a great job at right tackle," coach Mike Holmgren said. "But I would suspect Sean is going to start."

Bye-ding their time

The Seahawks did not play this week, but they made progress in the standings. They climbed one-half game closer to first place in the NFC West after Arizona and San Francisco each lost Sunday.

"I always say don't count on anyone else doing your work for you, that's for sure," Holmgren said. "But the fact that we didn't have to play but our division got beat up a little bit, that was a good thing for us."

The Cardinals and the 49ers are each 2-2. The Seahawks are 1-2, one-half game behind and at least a little refreshed after getting the week off.

"Physically, it's just great because you get away and you get a chance to heal up," Matt Hasselbeck said. "Mentally, it's just nice to just take a load off, sit on your couch, watch other quarterbacks get hit and get hurt and it's a good feeling knowing that you can wake up Monday without feeling like you were in a car accident."

No Mo' Morris?

Maurice Morris has not been ruled out for this week's game at New York, but he did not participate in Monday's workout. Morris suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the season opener, and he ran separately on an adjacent field while the Seahawks practiced Monday.

Holmgren said last week Morris was expected back for this week's game. That's not so certain now.

"He's probably a little bit behind, I would say," Holmgren said. "But he's got a chance to play."

NOTES

• The Giants have said Plaxico Burress will be suspended for Sunday's game against Seattle. That's not changing Seattle's game plan, Holmgren said. "Until I see he's not in there, I'm kind of planning he's going to be in there," Holmgren said.

• Defensive tackle Craig Terrill did not participate in Monday's workout. "It's his knee," Holmgren said. "Every once in a while it acts up on him."

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com