KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -Shaun Alexander practiced for the second consecutive day for the Seahawks on Thursday. That makes it more likely he will play Sunday at Philadelphia for the first time since he sprained his knee 3 1/2 weeks ago.
The 2005 league MVP split time as the lead running back during drills with Maurice Morris. Alexander’s six-year backup fully participated in practice Thursday on his sore ankle after being limited a day earlier.
Morris said his ankle was much better Thursday and he will play when Seattle (7-4) meets the Eagles (5-6). He was injured when St. Louis linebacker Will Witherspoon tackled him by the face mask late in last weekend’s win over the Rams.
Coach Mike Holmgren has said Morris, who has averaged 85 yards rushing in the three games he has started for Alexander – all Seattle victories – will continue to play even when Alexander returns.
Morris always has been merely a change-of-pace back spelling Alexander for a handful of plays.
“Maybe so, because Shaun’s always been the type of guy who didn’t miss one game,” said Morris, who turns 28 on Saturday.
Alexander, 30, had not been inactive for a game due to injury from his rookie season of 2001 until he broke his foot early last season. He has missed nine games in the last 14 months and will be wearing a cast over his broken left wrist for the remainder of the season.
When asked how he felt to have Holmgren vow to keep him running even when Alexander gets back, Morris said, “I mean, it’s always good to have an opportunity to play.”
Holmgren has met with Alexander to explain the new arrangement, the first time since Alexander took Ricky Watters’ job in Seattle in 2001 he won’t be the sole lead back in the offense.
“Whoever’s in there is in there. I expect them to do the job,” Holmgren said of his backs. “Shaun and I talked (Tuesday). Mo will continue to play, and Shaun understands that. So it was all good.
“I’m happy to have him back. I’m glad he’s back and I’m glad he’s healthy.”
Alexander said he doesn’t see his role changing much, even though Morris will be sharing it. And even though the Seahawks have won three straight by relying on Matt Hasselbeck’s passing.
“It’s the same as always, go out there and make plays and play hard,” Alexander said. “And that’s what I’m going to do.”
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