Injuries force many Seahawks to sit out Tuesday's practice

The Seahawks practiced without two of their top three offensive tackles Tuesday morning, and Baraka Atkins, the No. 5 defensive end, found himself taking first-string snaps during a practice most notable for who wasn't participating.

No linebacker Lofa Tatupu, or safety Deon Grant. Defensive ends Patrick Kerney, Lawrence Jackson and Cory Redding sat the practice out, too.

But no need to worry, said coach Jim Mora. At least not right now.

"We have a bunch of things that are pretty typical this time of camp," Mora said. "Guys get tired. We've been pushing them hard. They've been working their tails off."

Practicing Monday on a rain-sodden field didn't help. Grant and cornerback Josh Wilson suffered groin injuries during the workout, and the day after, Kerney and Jackson missed their first practices of training camp.

"It was a little slippery and we got some strains, but nothing significant," Mora said.

But the absences were voluminous: Grant, Wilson, Kerney, Redding, Jackson, Tatupu and D.D. Lewis all sat out for the defense. Cornerback Marcus Trufant is still inactive because of his back, and linebacker Will Herring remains sidelined by a strained groin.

Among offensive players, Deion Branch missed practice and Grey Ruegamer (elbow) remained sidelined. Tackle Walter Jones remained out with back spasms, and Ray Willis got his customary morning off after practicing on Monday. That left Sean Locklear and Kyle Williams as the first-string tackles.

Center Chris Spencer suffered an ankle sprain on Friday, and while he still isn't practicing, he was on the field for rehabilitation exercises and appeared to move well.

Tatupu sat out his second practice in three days, and he has not participated in the 11-on-11 team drills since Friday. Mora was asked about his status.

"Just general camp soreness, camp legs ," Mora said. "Nothing to be concerned about. The guy has had a really good camp, very focused ... I think it just caught up to him and he needed a little rest."

The Seahawks play their first exhibition game on Saturday in San Diego, and Mora said the status of players will be decided Thursday morning.

"We'll come to our final conclusions there," Mora said. "A lot of that will depend on who's available because of injuries, tweaks."

Seeking shelter

The Seahawks used their indoor practice facility for the first time this training camp, forcing them to cancel a planned open practice. Mora said several hundred fans had not heard of the cancellation and arrived in Renton, awaiting shuttle service to the facility.

"I would encourage fans to check their e-mail before they do come out," Mora said, "and I can promise you that we'll absolutely make it up to those people that missed it."

The reason the practice was moved was because of poor field conditions.

Will they see LT?

LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't appeared in an exhibition game since 2005, but he estimated there's an 85 percent chance he'll play Saturday, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mora joked that Chargers coach Norv Turner might veto that possibility.

"I'm hoping that Norv sits him," Mora said.

The Seahawks don't draw up a game plan for their exhibition opponents so whether Tomlinson plays for San Diego on Saturday won't affect the Seahawks' plans. Besides, backup Darren Sproles is so effective the Chargers affixed the franchise tag to him this offseason, so it's not like San Diego lacks options.

"If he plays, it'll be good for us," Mora said of Tomlinson, "because we'll get to play against one of the finest backs in the league. If he doesn't play, they've still got Sproles, and he's a great back."

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