Nazair Jones likely out, Shaquill Griffin, Luke Willson back for Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks

RENTON -- While tight end Luke Willson and cornerback Shaquill Griffin are set to return to the lineup this week, it's likely the Seahawks will be without defensive tackle Nazair Jones for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles and their No. 2 ranked rush offense on Sunday night.

Jones injured his ankle in practice on Thursday and was listed as doubtful to play against the Eagles.

"He turned his ankle yesterday in practice and we're not sure how that's going to respond," head coach Pete Carroll said after practice on Friday. "He just stepped on a guy's foot and we'll see what happens. Can't tell you yet."

With Jones likely out, Seattle will need to lean on recently promoted tackle Rodney Coe to help bolster their run defense. Sheldon Richardson and Jarran Reed will still handle the starting jobs, but Coe will be relied on much more heavily as a rotational player.

"He's really stout," Carroll said. "He caught our eye early on this offseason. He's really physical and tough and it's really hard to move him."

Coe spent a large portion of the season on the team's practice squad before being promoted earlier this week. Defensive tackle Garrison Smith was waived to move Coe to the active roster.

Willson was knocked out of last week's game early due to a concussion. A concussion also forced Griffin to miss the game altogether before returning to practice this week. Both players will be back in the lineup on Sunday with Griffin moving back into a starting role at right cornerback.

Running back Mike Davis will also be back after missing last week's game with a groin strain.

"Everybody had really good weeks," Carroll said, Those guys are all in good shape and ready to go."

Free safety Earl Thomas is expected to play after being rested on Thursday due to a heel injury.

"He is fine," Carroll said. "He had something we just tended to yesterday. Sore foot and that was it. Not a big deal."

Tight end Jimmy Graham, linebacker Bobby Wagner, left tackle Duane Brown and linebacker D.J. Alexander are also expected to play.

Defensive end Dion Jordan is almost certainly going to miss another game due to lingering issue from a stinger sustained in practice two weeks ago.

Cornerback DeShawn Shead made progress this week as he continued to recover from an ACL tear last January. Carroll said Shead is nearing a return to practice.

"He had a great week, as a matter of fact. I’m glad you asked," Carroll said. "He had a great week and he looked really good and the question is when do we bring him back to practice now. He’s that close."

Injury Report:

Photo Credit: SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive tackle Nazair Jones #92 pressures quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)


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