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#1
09-14-2004, 10:02 PM
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Shaun Alexander might play despite bruised knee
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KIRKLAND — Shaun Alexander doesn't profess to be a doctor. But in terms of dealing with the knee injury he suffered in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, he knows good news when he hears it. Here's the unscientific version: "All I know is that the leg bone and the knee bone smacked into each other, and that's not normal," Alexander said yesterday, his right leg wrapped in a bandage. "Everybody said I'm really blessed. Normally you do tear an MCL or an ACL. The bones are bruised, but the ligaments are all straight." As in OK. Not damaged. All good. All of which was good news for the Seahawks yesterday, after doctors performed an MRI on that very valuable right knee, an MRI that showed a bone bruise and not the ligament damage first feared by everyone, including Alexander. That doesn't mean Alexander is a lock to play against Tampa Bay on Sunday, though. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said his Pro Bowl running back will be day to day this week, that he might miss a week or two, or he might play Sunday. But any news that didn't involve the words "tear" or "sprain" or either of the two ligaments was good news, as far as the Seahawks are concerned. "Thank goodness," Holmgren said. "It could have been a lot worse." Alexander does profess to be a fast healer, and his theory will be tested this week and possibly next. If he can't go, the Seahawks will turn to their running-back-in-waiting, Maurice Morris, a man teammates call "Crazy Legs." Holmgren said the game plan won't change. Third-string running back Kerry Carter would play more, essentially taking over Morris' backup role. And Morris, crazy legs and all, would essentially become Shaun Alexander. "Shaun Alexander would be the first to tell you, if he wasn't here, Maurice Morris would be a star," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. "This kid can play. It just so happens he is backing up one of the great running backs in the NFL right now." Those are big shoulder pads to fill, even for a guy like Morris, a former Oregon star who averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season. Alexander gained 135 yards on 28 carries and scored three touchdowns against the Saints — "He made someone very happy," Grant Wistrom joked, referring to fantasy football nation. Alexander has scored at least one touchdown in 18 of the Seahawks' past 21 games. He has scored at least one rushing touchdown in their past six contests. "He really does have a knack for (scoring) down there," Holmgren said. "I would just call it a gift that not everyone has. He has very good vision. He's as good as any back I've ever been around in that part of the field." But, like Holmgren said, the Seahawks aren't going to forfeit on Sunday if Alexander doesn't play. Much like when linebacker Chad Brown broke his fibula during training camp, they will carry on. Of his preparation for this game, a typically understated Morris said: "This is a normal week to me." But not for the Seahawks if Alexander doesn't play. He has never missed a game — 65 in a row and counting — since the team took him in the first round of the 2000 draft. That's more than 1,000 carries, more than 4,000 yards rushing, more than 50 touchdowns. How much would it impact what the Seahawks do? Defensive end Chike Okeafor said defenses make a point of trying to stop the run, and when an offense succeeds, "It wears down the defense. It wears down the morale." Alexander knows as much. He, too, is confident in Morris. But he knows this is a season filled with great expectations, part of which rest on his bruised right knee. "The team's got high goals, and I don't want to be part of anything that can slow that down," he said. "Me not being there could slow it down a little bit." Greg Bishop: 206-464-3191 
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#2
09-14-2004, 10:05 PM
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In all seriousness, he must really be careful with it. It wouldn't hurt him (or us, for that matter) to sit out a week, just to test it slowly. If he comes back and PERMANENTLY damages it, he and the Squawks will regret it.
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#4
09-14-2004, 10:07 PM
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You're welcome, now maybe on the 11th one you will be able to comprehend it.
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#6
09-14-2004, 10:12 PM
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Yup. After this year he is a free agent.
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#7
09-14-2004, 10:13 PM
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TBB Mod IV, TBB BBS Staff
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#8
09-14-2004, 10:15 PM
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Be Happy? You must haven't seen a Bucs game lately. 
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#10
09-14-2004, 10:17 PM
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I know what you mean. i got a sore spot for delusional bucs fans who don't realize that they are in the cellar.
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#11
09-14-2004, 10:20 PM
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#12
09-14-2004, 10:22 PM
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Very hard to believe....especially since its the falcuns who practically owned the spot since last season. Oh well, this coming weekend, the falcuns will play one of the NFL's best teams, not the worst like last wekend. 1-1 will bring a tie for the division.
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#13
09-14-2004, 10:24 PM
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#15
09-14-2004, 10:50 PM
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__________________
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