RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks could get two key offensive linemen back for their regular-season finale against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.
Left tackle Russell Okung has been cleared to play after bruising a lung two weeks ago against San Francisco. Okung had to be taken to a hospital for evaluation following a block from former 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald on an interception return at the end of the first half.
Okung missed last weekend’s game at Arizona, but practiced all week and appears ready to return to the lineup.
“Russell had a full week and he’s been cleared to play so Russell is in good shape,” coach Pete Carroll said Friday.
Center Max Unger has missed the last five games after suffering a high-ankle sprain against Kansas City. Unger returned to practice on Dec. 12, but had a setback and did not practice at all last week. He worked in consecutive practices this week for the first time since being injured.
“Max made it through (practice),” Carroll said. “We’ll see how it goes. We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Unger has appeared in just six games this season; he was previously sidelined for four games with a sprained foot. However, Carroll said it’s not a priority for them to get Unger any game snaps before the start of the playoffs.
“That’s not a consideration,” Carroll said. “We’re trying to win a game.”
A win on Sunday coupled with no tie for Green Bay and Detroit, or a Dallas loss or tie would give Seattle the No. 1 seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
If Unger can’t play, Patrick Lewis could get his second straight start at center.
Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (hamstring) and defensive end Demarcus Dobbs (ankle) have been ruled out. Kearse strained a hamstring last weekend against Arizona.
Receiver Chris Matthews returned to practice after missing last week with a hamstring injury of his own and will be a game-time decision.
Tight ends Cooper Helfet (ribs) and Tony Moeaki (shoulder) are “banged up,” Carroll said, but were able to practice on Friday. Moeaki is probable while Helfet is listed as questionable.
Cornerback Tharold Simon is also questionable after injuring a shoulder against the Cardinals.
