The Seattle Seahawks saw defensive end Cliff Avril return to the practice field for the first time in over two weeks after battling a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp.
Avril did not participate in team drills and only went through individual workouts for the Seahawks on Wednesday. Head coach Pete Carroll said it’s “not very likely” that Avril will be able to play Saturday against the Denver Broncos. However, Avril’s return to the practice field is a welcome sight as he’s been held out for most of the offseason.
Avril sat out most of the offseason program with a foot injury but was able to return for the start of training camp. His presence on the practice fields lasted just a few days before being sidelined with the hamstring injury.
“Definitely not how I wanted to start. You know, it’s part of football, things happen,” Avril said.
With Chris Clemons’ status for the start of the regular season still uncertain and Bruce Irvin set to miss the first four games to suspension, the Seahawks could really use a healthy Avril ready for their opener against the Carolina Panthers. Avril wants to get some game action in before the lights turn on for real against the Panthers on Sept. 8.
“I definitely would like to get out there for one of these three games,” Avril said. “It’s a little bit different from practicing. When it’s out there, the games are a lot quicker and a lot more physical. So you definitely would like to get a feel for it before the season starts for sure.”