RENTON -- The Seattle Seahawks' offensive line gets a boost Sunday when center Max Unger and left tackle Russell Okung will be back in the starting lineup, but left guard James Carpenter did not practice all week and is doubtful with a sprained ankle.
It’s also unlikely that strong safety Kam Chancellor will play Sunday against the New York Giants. Chancellor, who missed last week’s game with a groin injury, did not practice all week.
"Kam is going to be a game-day decision," said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. "He’s going to have to talk us into it at this point. He’s close to being ready, but we need to make sure to take care of him for the long haul."
Cornerback Byron Maxwell practiced Friday, but he’s listed as questionable after missing the past three games with a calf injury.
"We’ll find out," Carroll said about Maxwell. "He practiced and got through it all. We need to see. It’s day to day with him."
Nickel cornerback Marcus Burley also is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but the good news is starting nickelback Jeremy Lane will return from injured reserve after missing seven games with a groin injury.
"He’s anxious to get in there," Carroll said of Lane. "He’s been healthy the last three of four weeks, but he had to wait until we could bring him back [off IR]. He’s ready to go."
Unger and Okung returning should help stabilize the communication problems the team had last week on the offensive line.
"Obviously, that’s very positive for us," Carroll said. "But Carp didn’t make it back yet, so on Sunday we’ll find out."
Backup center Stephen Schilling (knee) and outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (groin) are listed as doubtful, but Carroll said Smith will not play Sunday. He hopes Smith can get back next week.
Running back Marshawn Lynch returned to practice Friday and Carroll said he’s fine. Lynch missed Thursday’s practice with what was listed as a calf injury. Receiver Doug Baldwin also is ready to go after missing Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. Backup defensive tackle Jordan Hill will play Sunday after missing the past three games with a sprained ankle.
Tight end Zach Miller (ankle surgery) and middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (turf toe) still are out and probably won’t return for a few more weeks. Carroll was asked Friday if rookie Brock Coyle will get his second start at middle linebacker.
"That could happen," Carroll said. "A big could."
It’s possible the Seahawks would move outside linebacker K.J. Wright back in the middle and start rookie Kevin Pierre-Louis at outside linebacker.
