Originally published Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Notebook | Matt Hasselbeck, Deion Branch may return soon to Seahawks

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and wide receiver Deion Branch practiced with the Seahawks for the first time in several weeks Friday, though...

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

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ROD MAR / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Deion Branch, stumbling on a reception attempt against the Giants in Week 5, has missed seven of the Seahawks' eight games this season due to injury.

ELAINE THOMPSON / AP

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, battling leg pain caused by a bulging disk in his back, could be on the field for the Seahawks' game Nov. 16 against NFC West leader Arizona.

RENTON — Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and wide receiver Deion Branch practiced with the Seahawks for the first time in several weeks Friday, though both were limited.

Injuries have forced Hasselbeck and Branch to miss several games, but they could be back in action soon. Hasselbeck won't play this week, but could return Nov. 16. Branch has a chance to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, coach Mike Holmgren said.

Hasselbeck ran the scout team in 7-on-7 practice drills Friday. He had been expected to do that earlier in the week, but didn't get on the field until Friday. Hasselbeck also threw passes to receivers after practice.

"He said he felt pretty good," Holmgren said. "He probably wanted to do some more, but they're kind of easing him into it. If we don't have any setbacks, knock on wood, I suspect he'll practice next week and has a chance to play next week."

The Seahawks (2-6) host NFC West-leading Arizona (5-3) next Sunday.

Hasselbeck has dealt with leg pain that is linked to a bulging disk in his back. He missed the past four games and will miss a fifth. Seneca Wallace will start again at quarterback.

Branch took snaps with the first team and is listed as questionable for the Miami game. Both he and Hasselbeck passed physical tests earlier in the week and were cleared to practice.

Branch, who had offseason knee surgery, missed the Seahawks' first three games and then injured his heel against the New York Giants in Week 5. He hasn't played since.

Holmgren said Branch will be evaluated after a team walk-through today in Florida.

"He had his workout [Wednesday], and [Thursday] he felt OK," Holmgren said. "What can't happen is that you put someone down and activate Deion, and then after 10 plays he comes up and goes, 'Coach, I can't go.' That wouldn't work very well, particularly with our wide-receiver situation. If there's a way I can get him active and not deplete the current group, we're going to look at that."

Note

• G Floyd Womack (foot) and TE Will Heller (knee) practiced Friday, their first of the week, and Womack will start Sunday, Holmgren said. DT Red Bryant (ankle) and LB David Hawthorne (calf) are out.

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