Seahawks Preparing For Opener in Carolina

Defensive end Chris Clemons is expected to return to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a major knee injury in last January's NFC playoffs.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after practice Monday that Clemons would be back on the field this week.

Carroll said Clemons will not play in the season opener at Carolina, but his return to practice this week is why Seattle kept its sacks leader from the past two seasons on the active 53-man roster.

Carroll expects other injured players will return to practice Wednesday.

Also expected back are defensive tackles Brandon Mebane (groin) and Tony McDaniel (groin) and wide receiver Stephen Williams (concussion). Defensive end Cliff Avril (hamstring) ran on Monday and Carroll was unsure if he'd be ready for Wednesday.

The  Seahawks have placed three of their 2013 draft picks on their eight-man practice squad. Seattle announced the practice squad on Monday. All eight players were in Seattle's training camp. The Seahawks brought back offensive linemen Ryan Seymour and Jared Smith, and linebacker Ty Powell, all three taken in April's draft and released last week. Smith is making the transition from defensive line to center.

Seattle also added defensive tackle Michael Brooks, tight end Cooper Helfet, defensive back DeShawn Shead, defensive tackle Sealver Siliga and wide receiver Bryan Walters. Siliga was acquired from Denver in a trade during training camp.