Seahawks get good news on Gordon, Dunlap
Seahawks receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated by the NFL and will be eligible to play in the final two games of the 2020 regular season.
The league's statement read: “NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Seattle's Josh Gordon, it was announced (Thursday). Gordon may begin COVID testing Friday, Dec. 4 and may join the club on Dec. 9 assuming negative tests. Gordon will be permitted to attend team meetings and individual meetings with coaching staff.
“He may also engage in individual workouts and strength and conditioning, but may not practise, travel with the team or attend games. On Dec. 21, following the club's Week 15 game, Gordon will be permitted to participate in practice and be eligible to play in the team's final two regular-season games.”
Gordon had been indefinitely suspended by the league following a game against Carolina last Dec. 15 for violating policies on both performance-enhancing drugs and substances of abuse.
Gordon became a free agent following the 2019 season, when he caught seven passes in five games for 139 yards for Seattle, and resigned with the Seahawks in August. He has not counted against the team's roster since then.
DUNLAP NOT DONE
The good news is that Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap does not appear to have a significant foot injury.
The bad news is it remains unclear if he will play against the New York Giants this Sunday at Lumen Field (the stadium formerly known as CenturyLink).
That was the word from coach Pete Carroll, who said an MRI on Dunlap's foot — which he injured Monday in the 23-17 victory at Philadelphia — did not reveal a major injury.
“There's a little something going on, but nothing serious,” Carroll said.
But his status for this week is in question. What Dunlap can do in practice this week will say much about whether he can play Sunday, Carroll said.
“We just need to see how he goes and handles the week,” Carroll said.
“I can't tell you how he'll be on game day yet, but we're hopeful, he's hopeful he'll be able to play.”
Dunlap's arrival via trade with Cincinnati has been a significant boost for Seattle.
Here's more of what Carroll said to the media Wednesday:
FLOWERS BATTLING HAMSTRING TROUBLE
Among the five players listed as out Thursday was cornerback Tre Flowers, who played all 71 defensive snaps Monday, but emerged with a hamstring injury.
“We're going to see how he is,” Carroll said.
“Hamstring is bothering him a little bit coming out of the game — we'll see how he looks today.”
Flowers has started the past five games because of injuries to Quinton Dunbar and Shaquill Griffin. Griffin is back and started against the Eagles.
Dunbar must sit at least a week because of a knee injury.
If Flowers can't play, the Seahawks likely would start D.J. Reed, who has been bothered by a toe injury, but was listed as a full participant Wednesday.
Also sitting out: offensive tackle Brandon Shell (ankle), running back Travis Homer (wrist/thumb/ knee) and left tackle Duane Brown, who got his usual rest day.
CARSON `A LITTLE SORE'
Chris Carson got the start at running back Monday, his first game since Oct. 25, when he suffered a mid-foot sprain.
He was limited to eight carries as the Seahawks tried to ease him back. Despite that, he led Seattle with 41 yards rushing, including 16 on a second-quarter touchdown.
Carroll said Carson came out of the game “a little sore,” but added he “should be fine” against the Giants.
Carson was among five players listed as limited in practice.
Also listed as limited was Carlos Hyde, who actually got more of the work at running back Monday against the Eagles than did Carson — Hyde had 15 carries for 22 yards and played 41 snaps, to 25 for Carson.
Hyde was listed as limited because of a toe injury, a new ailment for him. He earlier missed games because of hamstring and shoulder issues. Also limited were offensive linemen Damien Lewis ( groin), Kyle Fuller (ankle) and Jordan Simmons (calf ).
SEAHAWKS SEPARATE PRACTICE SQUAD QB
Carroll said the situation Denver faced last week — none of its quarterbacks available because of COVID-19 protocols — has led the Seahawks to keep practice squad quarterback Danny Etling separate from starter Russell Wilson and backup Geno Smith during the week.
Etling, who played at Louisiana State, was claimed off waivers from Atlanta during training camp and has been on the practice squad.
“We have stepped forward in terms of taking care of Danny to make sure he is apart from the other QBs,” Carroll said.