Matt Hasselbeck "almost certainly" out as injuries have Seahawks reeling

RENTON — Jim Mora isn't counting on Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to play against Chicago on Sunday.

In fact, Seattle's coach isn't even sure he'll be able to count on 45 players being healthy enough to dress against the Bears.

"I'm hoping we can suit up 45 guys, quite frankly," Mora said.

Mora announced after practice Friday Hasselbeck is doubtful because of a fractured rib, one of six players Seattle does not expect to play.

"It's extremely unlikely Matt will play," Mora said.

Hasselbeck, linebacker Lofa Tatupu and fullback Justin Griffith have not practiced this week. They are all listed as doubtful on Seattle's injury report, meaning the chances of them playing are estimated at less than 25 percent. Linebacker Leroy Hill, tackle Sean Locklear and cornerback Josh Wilson have already been declared out.

If Hasselbeck is out, Seneca Wallace will start. He is 5-7 in games he has started for the Seahawks.

Left tackle Walter Jones, cornerback Ken Lucas and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane all are considered a 50-50 proposition to play.

Of those three, Jones practiced the most this week, but his availability appears to be in the most doubt. He is returning from arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 20, and has participated in fewer than 15 of the more than 40 practices the team has held since training camp began Aug. 31.

"He hasn't played in a long time," Mora said of Jones. "He's coming off a pretty significant injury, so we have to judge his health and where he is conditioning-wise and all those things and make the right decision for this team, not only for this game but for future games and for Big Walt himself."

If Jones cannot play, Seattle will start Brandon Frye at left tackle. Ray Willis is starting at right tackle.

Lucas has been limited in practice because of a groin injury, while Mebane returned to practice on Thursday after missing a week with a strained calf. Both were tested by trainers afterward and could be ready to play.

If Lucas is unable to play, Travis Fisher would be the next in line to start at cornerback on the team's depth chart.

Center Chris Spencer (quadriceps) and wide receiver Deion Branch (hamstring) are expected to play. Each practiced throughout the week and were listed as probable on the Seahawks' injury report.

That leaves nine Seahawks considered questionable or worse.

Meanwhile, Chicago has just three players whose status is a question mark. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is out because of a knee injury, tight end Desmond Clark is questionable with a rib injury, and defensive end Alex Brown is questionable after an ankle injury kept him out of two days of practice this week.

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