By Liz Mathews

Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after missing the past four games with a calf injury.

"Mebane is back in action for us," Pete Carroll said Wednesday. "He's one of our front-line guys. He's very active. He's been a big figure in what we've done and counted on him. We've missed him for four weeks now.

"That's a long haul without a guy that you really love to play with. But he's got fresh legs, he's going to come out smoking, and hopefully he'll play a really good football game for us."

The Seahawks' defense was a force to be reckoned with at the beginning of the season, ranking as high as second against the run and second in opponents' yards per attempt.

But with Mebane out of the lineup, the defensive line now ranks 19th against the run after their 41-7 loss to the Giants on Sunday. While it may not be fair to blame the recent lackluster performance on the loss of just one player, Carroll agrees that "the factors add up."

"That's why guys are good players and you know it because they play above the rest," said Carroll. "Mebane coming back, he doesn't need to (just) show up, he needs to play really well and give us what he's given us in the past and that will help us. If a couple, two or three of those things come together, we can be all right."

Talking with the media before practice Wednesday, Mebane conceded it takes the entire squad to factor into the defensive equation, and believes it's possible for the defense to return to its once promising form at the start of the season.

"It's all about everybody, and doing their assignments," he said. "Just read the keys and just trust one another. That's what we had when we were ranked - whatever we were ranked - but we are refreshed."

"It's all about just getting back in rhythm."

Watching from the sidelines, Mebane said it was critical he stay focused because it was easy to become discouraged. But after four weeks of rest, Mebane feels revived both mentally and physically.

"This is what I love to do," said Mebane of playing in the NFL. "I've been wanting to do this since I was in the third or fourth grade. This is very exciting for me to have that feeling again, making plays, and being with my teammates."