Seahawks Notebook | Holmgren family part of Congo aid

The name of the country has changed since Kathy Holmgren first went to the Democratic Republic of Congo more than 30 years ago, but not her concern for the people.

It was still called Zaire when she first went to work at a mission hospital in 1970. She returned to Congo in 2006 with daughter Calla as part of an aid mission. That trip was Kathy's Christmas present from her husband, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, who insisted she go on that trip even when it meant missing the Seahawks' Super Bowl appearance.

Before Sunday's game against the Jets, the Holmgrens and their four daughters will help more than 100 volunteers from Medical Teams International collect donations at Qwest Field that will be used to provide care and medicine to the Congo.

Donations will be accepted through halftime at various gates at Qwest Field, in the north parking lot and at the exhibition center. A supply pack for a family in need costs $30, and 96 percent of all money donated to Medical Teams International goes to programs and services.

Walter Jones chosen to Pro Bowl

Tackle Walter Jones is a Pro Bowler for the eighth consecutive season, though he won't be able to play in February's game after undergoing knee surgery.

Jones and Carolina's Jordan Gross were the two starting tackles chosen for the NFC. The selections are based upon voting by players, coaches and fans. It is Jones' ninth Pro Bowl selection, the most ever by a Seahawk.

Jones suffered a knee injury that is keeping him out of the final four games. He underwent surgery last Thursday and was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

He was the only Seahawk named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Linebacker Julian Peterson and fullback Leonard Weaver are among the conference's alternates who could be called upon in case of injury.

Seattle had six players named to the Pro Bowl last year.

Branching out

Wide receiver Deion Branch caught a 63-yard pass that ranks as Seattle's second-longest completion of the season and then caught his first touchdown pass in nearly a year against New England on Dec. 7. He followed that up with five more receptions Sunday in St. Louis, including the 45-yard catch that set up the game-winning field goal.

Branch has caught 14 passes over the past three games.

"You can see it makes a difference," Holmgren said. "Now we can play and we can complete balls and he can beat coverage."

Branch is in his third year with the Seahawks, but his number of receptions declined each season because of injuries. He missed five games because of a foot injury in 2007, and missed three games this season because he was still recovering from knee surgery and another five because of a heel injury.

"I hope now, for the rest of his time here, he can avoid the injury bug," Holmgren said. "He's a quick little guy who's a very talented receiver who wants to play, who is a threat."

Note

• Seattle may start Kyle Williams at left tackle this Sunday if Sean Locklear is unable to play after suffering a dislocated toe. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has not been cleared to play, and is expected to be the No. 3 QB, but Holmgren said that should Hasselbeck become healthy, he wouldn't hesitate to return the quarterback to a lineup that may not include any of the five players projected to start along the offensive line when the season began.