Shaun Alexander running for the first time

[Randall]

Associated Press

 

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Shaun Alexander is running for the first time since he broke his left foot last month, putting him on track to return for the Seahawks next week after a four-game absence.

 

Alexander ran on a treadmill Tuesday and coach Mike Holmgren said that last season's NFL rushing leader and MVP had no problems with continuing his workouts Wednesday. That means Seattle (4-2) is expecting Alexander to play on Nov. 6 against Oakland.

 

He is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Kansas City.

 

"His foot responded well," Holmgren said. "He will continue to increase his workload this week, with the target being next week's game."

 

Holmgren acknowledges that without Alexander and Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, backup QB Seneca Wallace becomes even more of a target. Wallace, a four-year veteran, will be making his first career start.

 

"If we still had Shaun, this would be a little bit different," Holmgren said of life without Hasselbeck, out for at least three weeks with a strained knee ligament. "We wouldn't have to rely on the quarterback so much."

Still, Holmgren said there is no temptation to resist in rushing Alexander back because he has no say in the decision.

 

"I could go in and pound the table, [saying] 'He's playing this week,' and doctors say, 'No, he's not.' That's OK. That's a medical call," Holmgren said.

 

Alexander said he has been pain-free for a couple of weeks, but he has been following doctors' orders that his cracked fourth metatarsal heal completely before he returns. Last week, X-rays showed the bones looked "very, very good," according to Alexander.

 

"Now, let's make sure we are in a state where we can't go backward," Alexander said, knowing a further break would likely mean surgery.

 

"I'm not the smartest person in the world, but I am pretty intelligent: If you break something, you broke it," Alexander said. "We are wise. But if this were the Super Bowl or playoffs, I'd be out there starting."

Alexander had never missed a game in seven NFL seasons before this injury. He has 187 yards rushing with two touchdowns in three games. Last season through three games, he had 257 yards and five scores, en route to 1,880 yards and a league record 28 touchdowns.

 

With Maurice Morris as the primary running back for the last three games, the Seahawks have averaged 85 yards rushing per game. They are 20th in the NFL at 99.7 yards rushing per game this season. Last season, they were third with 153.6 yards rushing per game.

[NAUgrad]

Whatever. I can truly say the Morris is by far no Alexander. Although I didn't expect huge numbers from Morris, I also didn't expect him to be so plainly average. Huge disappointment that will not see my starting lineup anymore.

[Fantasy Jesus]

Here's hoping the Seahawks lose 2 or 3 in a row without Hasselback so they'll need Alexander to play well down the strecth during Weeks 14-16.