Norwood closing in on Seahawks debut

RENTON, Wash. (AP) Fourth-round draft pick Kevin Norwood made it through just one practice in training camp with the Seattle Seahawks before the pain became just too much to ignore.

Bone spurs in his foot had proved to be a constant annoyance going back to his time in college at Alabama. However, Norwood had always just kept his head down and played through the pain.

But it was becoming too large an issue to manage any longer for the wide receiver.

It didn't affect Norwood while he was running pass routes, but if he wasn't constantly moving and keeping the area loose it become painful.

''When I'm just standing around pretty much not doing anything, that's when it (started) getting stiff and sore,'' Norwood said. ''Then when it's time for me to go back in it's impossible to move.''

Norwood had surgery in August to remove the bone spurs in his foot and didn't practice or play for the remainder of the preseason. He returned to practice last week prior to Seattle's season opener against the Green Bay Packers, but was held out as he wasn't ready to play.

But coach Pete Carroll saw enough from Norwood over the offseason in OTAs and minicamp to get a good sense for the player he is.

''He's such a natural football player that we felt like we understood his ability,'' Carroll said. ''Right away we just had a real sense for him.

''We felt pretty confident about that right off the bat, within the first few days we were out there. He's got a very versatile package that he's bringing to us so we're really happy about that.''

Carroll said Norwood is healthy enough to play now, but will still be a game-time decision as to whether he will be active for their game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

''Kevin is in great shape now,'' Carroll said. ''He looks very good. He's really competing to get on the game day roster. He looks really good doing everything. We have no hesitation to put him in there if we can get that done.''

Whenever the chance comes for Norwood to put on an NFL uniform for the first time, he said he'll make the most of his opportunities.

''It's tough being out,'' Norwood said. ''It really is. I'm going to try my best to get back out there and help this team out any way I can.

''My opportunity is coming and when I get on that field I'm going to take full advantage of it.''

Notes: RB Christine Michael (hamstring), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (hamstring) and CB Tharold Simon (knee) were all ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers. All three were unable to return to practice this week. Coach Pete Carroll said Michael and Pierre-Louis have a chance to get back next week. ... TE Cooper Helfet is listed as doubtful with a knee injury despite practicing the past two days. Carroll said he'd be ''eligible'' to possibly play if needed.

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