The Seattle Seahawks' first organized team activity session featuring Percy Harvin didn't feature Harvin as much as once anticipated.
It became more about Bruce Irvin's suspension, Josh Portis' DUI arrest, Cliff Avril's foot injury and Marshawn Lynch's decision to train elsewhere.
Around the NFC West: May 21, 2013
Brock Huard's observations for 710ESPN Seattle offered a glimpse beyond the headlines. His thoughts on Harvin, Russell Wilson, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Christine Michael and Tom Cable stood out, as did this two-sentence passage toward the bottom: "There was a reason Indianapolis won 12 games a year for a decade. Peyton Manning set the tone, but Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison didn't miss minicamps or OTAs. When an organization's best and most talented players invest more than anyone else, results tend to follow."
Lynch was once the most important player on the team. Though this is Wilson's team now, Lynch still sets the tone during games through his violent running style. He is still one of the organization's best and most talented players. His absence Monday was conspicuous simply because every other healthy veteran attended the voluntary session.
"We miss him and we’d like him to be here," coach Pete Carroll told reporters after practice. "This is a lot of fun and there is a lot of good stuff happening here."
Carroll said Lynch has checked in at team headquarters this month. He said Lynch was in excellent shape and was training hard.
Few are likely to care in September whether Lynch attended a voluntary practice in May. Carroll cared Monday.
"We'd love to see everyone here," the coach said.
Seattle's OTA sessions will continue, but none will be open to media until May 28. Sessions scheduled for June 3 and June 6 are also scheduled to be open.
