Seahawks' ground game finally getting in gear

RENTON — The Seahawks ran out of chances to save their season three weeks ago in Houston.

And after losing three consecutive games by an average of 27.3 points, they're running out of time to show they've made any significant progress this season.

But entering Sunday's season finale, Seattle is running the ball as well as it has all season.

Now, that is not enough to overshadow the fact Seattle has more than three times as many turnovers (10) as touchdowns (3) in its previous three games. But when a team is getting drubbed like the Seahawks are, coach Jim Mora is looking for progress wherever he can find it.

"The last two weeks we've averaged 4.58 (yards) a carry, which would be in the top five in the NFL," Mora said. "So that's a good sign."

Or as good as it gets for a team that has been outscored 106-24 in its past three games.

Seven of Seattle's first eight plays at Green Bay last week were handoffs. The result? Two first downs. That may not sound like much, but it was dramatic improvement considering the Seahawks began their previous five games by going three-and-out.

Running back Julius Jones suffered rib and ankle injuries during the Green Bay game, which kept him from practicing earlier this week. He returned to the field Friday, and is expected to be available Sunday, Mora said. Jones is listed as questionable on the team's injury report, and Mora did not specify whether Jones or second-year rusher Justin Forsett would start.

"I can't answer that yet," he said. "We'll see."

Seattle has rushed for more than 100 yards in four of the past five games after being held under 100 in five of the first eight games this season. Before anyone goes and files these facts between "too little" and "too late," the possibility that the Seahawks' offense gained traction once the offensive line stabilized should be considered.

Seattle used five different five-man line combinations through the first eight games of the season. In the last seven, it has used just two. The only change came two weeks ago when Max Unger moved from right guard to center, replacing Chris Spencer, who has split time with Mike Gibson at right guard.

The Seahawks are hardly a great running team, ranked No. 28 out of 32 teams in rushing yards. They're not even a good running team, considering they've twice this season set a franchise low for rushing yards in a game.

But these past seven games have shown progress.

"At least improved," Mora said. "Not where we want to be, but we've improved. And we'd like to run the ball well on Sunday. But more importantly, we'd like to score some points."

One step at a time, though.

Notes

• CB Josh Wilson is doubtful for Sunday's game after suffering a hip injury in the loss at Green Bay. Mora did not rule out the possibility Wilson could play, saying it would be a game-time decision.

• Kelly Jennings will start at right cornerback if Wilson is unable to play. S Lawyer Milloy will be used in nickel situations when Jordan Babineaux moves in to defend the slot receiver. Ken Lucas would come on the field as part of the dime coverage package.

• Rookie LB Aaron Curry is expected to miss his second consecutive game, as the strength has not returned sufficiently to his arm after suffering a stinger in Seattle's loss to Tampa Bay.

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