By Liz Mathews

Pete Carroll confirmed today that Russell Okung has a high ankle sprain.

The initial MRI reports on Sunday indicated that the injury may be centered in the mid-ankle area, with the hopes of a speedier recovery time. After further testing, the high sprain was confirmed.

Said Carroll: "When you asked the other night, I was hoping it wasn't but it is and so we'll see how it works out. It's not the worst one we've ever seen. It's kind of a moderate one so that's why we're holding out hope that he can get back quickly from it. But those can be difficult."

While high-ankle sprains often take up to two months to completely heal, Carroll explained that the team doesn't really know Okung in terms of injuries. "I don't think he's missed a game before, or practice, so he doesn't have any experience of having to come back from something," said Carroll. "We'll figure that out as we go."

Carroll did say that Okung's attitude was fantastic and that he was actively participating in his rehab process.

For now, the team is going to have to make do with who they can on the exiting roster to patch together a workable offensive line. With backup tackle Ray Willis out until further notice awaiting knee surgery, the hope is that Chester Pitts will begin taking snaps with the team.

Activated today from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Pitts was on the field and working with a trainer. "Now that he's off the PUP, he can start working with the football team officially," said Carroll. "That’s important - just hearing the snap count, getting out of the huddle and that type of stuff and we’ll just take it, really, one day at a time with him."

Regarding the rest of the line, the shuffle continues. Mike Gibson took some reps today at left guard, with a good chance of a starting spot there this Saturday. Veteran guard Ben Hamilton moved over to center and Carroll made it clear that Sean Locklear will be staying on the right side.

As for Mansfield Wrotto, Carroll was impressed with his ability to step in and play the entire game last week at left tackle. "He's got good feet, he's got some versatility where he's played some other spots, he stood up to the pass rush very well in this game and did a nice job," said Carroll. "It was the first time he ever had that much play time and he did an admirable job."

In other team injuries, Kentwan Balmer has now been diagnosed with an ankle contusion (bruise) as opposed to the feared sprain. Nick Reed was operated on today (minor knee scope) but a quick recovery is expected for him.

David Hawthorne did not practice today and was given an MRI for "a little something that is bothering him," per Coach Carroll. TE Cameron Morrah also missed practice today for an undisclosed reason.

Finally, Leroy Hill appears to be making progress as well and should be back to speed in a couple of weeks.

The team practices again tomorrow at 1:30 before a closed walk-through on Thursday and travel day on Friday.

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