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Seahawks prepare for second half of season run

Running back Shaun Alexander, last season`s Most Valuable Player, has missed all but two games this season after suffering from a broken bone in his left foot. He has been sidelined for the past six games, and hasn`t practiced in as much as eight weeks. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, a Pro bowler himself, has also missed game action in the last three matches, suffering from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee.

The team`s coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that it is possible that the two stars will play in Sunday`s match against the San Francisco 49ers. This will be a good first step in the team`s run for a playoff ticket and a repeat Super Bowl appearance. The Seahawks are 6-3, and only the Chicago Bears (8-1) have a better record in the NFC.

The Seahawks have proven resilient, even with the absence of their two stars. Coach Holmgren expressed his trust in his team, saying: "I am very proud of the football team in the last few weeks, when we have been kind of holding them together with Band-Aids -- particularly on offense." With the return of last season`s rushing leader and the mastermind of the team`s intricate offense, Holmgren may have many reasons to feel proud about.