The Seahawks are preparing to start training camp without a fully healthy James Carpenter.
The right tackle’s rookie year ended early after a torn ACL and Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times reports that the team expects that he won’t be ready to go when training camp kicks off next month. The 2011 first-round pick tore the ligament in late November, which meant that the start of camp has always been in doubt while Carpenter progresses through his rehab.
Carpenter’s status for the start of the regular season would also be in doubt if he starts camp on the PUP list, especially with reports earlier this offseason that he might miss the entire 2012 season. Carpenter won’t be handed the job once he proves he’s healthy, anyway. The team was pleased with the way Breno Giacomini played after Carpenter got hurt last season and signed him to a two-year deal as a result.
They’ve also signed Frank Omiyale, Alex Barron and Deuce Lutui to provide more depth on the offensive line. Given the injury history of left tackle Russell Okung and the uncertainty surrounding Carpenter, that’s looking like a wise move on Seattle’s part.