Seahawks weak at wideout: Williams, Obomanu might not play

Published on December 11, 2010 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

Chances appear slim that Seattle Seahawks starting receivers Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu will make an appearance in Sunday’s game in San Francisco.

Williams and Obomanu did not practice again Friday, although Williams worked with trainers oalong the sideline before the 45-minute workout. And both were spectators during Seattle’s walk-through inside the team’s indoor practice facility.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said both will be game-time decisions.

“We have to plan like he’s not there,” Carroll said of Williams. “And, fortunately, guys have practiced well. Ruvell Martin has done a nice job in that spot, and Golden Tate has had a nice week, too. I think (Obamanu) is going to have a chance to play in this game, also.”

Martin and Tate will be counted on to fill in if Williams can’t go.

Carroll said he wants to give the cut between the fingers on Obomanu’s right hand as much time as possible to heal before Sunday.

“He’s got stitches in his hand and they’re going to be there on game day,” Carroll said. “You just got to see how it works for him, and the little device that they’re putting on his hand works out for him and all of that. They’ve been experimenting all week, and everybody feels good about it. I think he’s going to play.”

One person the Seahawks are counting on to step up is Tate. One of the reasons Seattle jettisoned veteran receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch was the expectation that young players such as Tate and Deon Butler would flourish with increased playing time.

So far, that hasn’t happened for the Notre Dame wide receiver. Tate only has 14 catches for 185 yards this season, with no touchdowns. He continues to battle a steep learning curve as a rookie finding his way against more talented defensive players, and he has yet to perform consistently each week. But if Williams is not available, the Seahawks are hopeful Tate can provide some explosive plays against the 49ers.

“I’m trying to be consistent with my preparation and get the trust of this organization so that I can do some special things out there. … Each week pay more attention to details, and just when my chance comes, take advantage of it.” Tate said.

“I’ve had chances throughout the season, which looking back at it, I think I could have handled it a little better, and just played better in general. So I’m just going to keep working, trying to learn it and let it get to the point where it’s just second nature for me to get out there and do everything right.”

This will be Tate’s first time playing San Francisco – he was inactive for the first game of the season – so he’s been talking to his fellow receivers to get a better feel for the Niners’ secondary.

Tags: ben obomanu, coach pete carroll, Deion Branch, Deon Butler, Game Day, Game Time, Minute Workout, Nice Job, Play One, Playing Time, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Sideline, Spectators, Steep Learning Curve, Stitches, T J Houshmandzadeh, Tate, Time Decisions, Veteran Receivers, Wide Receiver