RENTON, Wash. -- The Seahawks expect quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to return against first-place Arizona on Nov. 16. He will miss his fifth consecutive game on Sunday at Miami while he slowly gets back into playing shape this week.
Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that his three-time Pro Bowl passer has finally passed the strength tests doctors prescribed for his hyperextended right knee. That will allow him back on the practice field as the scout-team quarterback this week. His knee was being weakened by a bulging disk in his back.
Seattle (2-6) has lost three of the four games Hasselbeck has missed.
Holmgren says surgery on the shoulder of defensive end Patrick Kerney showed no major structural damage. The team is expecting their leading pass rusher to play again this season, though Holmgren does not yet know when.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
