If you're at the Seahawks headquarters this week, be wary of anyone talking about a new flavor of Gatorade.

That was the setup for a practical joke at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, where players have been "Punk'd" with a prank involving a Gatorade cooler and a fake snake that would bob up and down when the lid was opened.

The team got the fake snake from the Green Bay Packers equipment staff, who pulled the prank on their players last week.

Here is the YouTube video (which contains a few swear words):

By Liz Mathews

The Seahawks offensive line took another hit today when veteran guard Ben Hamilton was seen sitting out practice, an ice wrap on his knee.

Taking snaps at center yesterday, Hamilton did not appear to be injured. Mike Gibson has worked out at left guard since Tuesday and is expected to step into the starting role on Saturday against the Vikings.

Asked whether or not he was worried about the current state of the line, starting QB Matt Hasselbeck said that he had "no concerns."

Regarding the upcoming game, Hasselbeck reiterated just how good the Vikings' defense is saying that they probably have the best D line in terms of sacks. "They rush four guys and are able to get tremendous pressure that way," said Hasselbeck. "But, there's nothing we can do to change that. We just have to go out and do the best we can against them and just realize that they're going to win some and just stick to the plan and stay focused."

On Mansfield Wrotto, now expected to start at left tackle, Hasselbeck had this to say: "My locker is right next to him, I'm next to him every day. He's a quiet guy, real smart guy, bright guy. He's excited for this opportunity, he's waited a long time and it’s a great challenge."

Wrotto rose to the occasion last week against Green Bay when he replaced the injured Russell Okung after the first series and played through the entire game.

In other injury news, Chester Pitts was limited in participation today after being reactivated from the PUP list yesterday. LB David Hawthorne sat out today as well, with no news on his MRI from yesterday.

TE Cameron Morrah, DE Nick Reed, and DT Kentwan Balmer, were also absent from the practice field for injury-related reasons.

The team has now opened up the walk-through scheduled for tomorrow to the media and the short practice will be held at 11:25 am.

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.

By Liz Mathews

The Seahawks have confirmed the signing of wide receiver Brandon Jones, which was reported to have occurred yesterday.

To make room for Jones on the roster, the team has released WR Mike Hass. Hass had recently re-signed with the team on August 8th after being cut earlier in the offseason. Hass played one game for the Seahawks in the 2009 season.

Originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third-round (96th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, Jones spent four seasons with the team before signing a five-year, $16.5 million contract with the 49ers last year.

Over his career, Jones has played in 59 games with 27 starts, recording 113 receptions for 1,398 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a career-high 41 catches in 2008 and career-high four touchdowns in 2006.

As of now, the Seahawks have nine wide receivers on the roster.

By Liz Mathews

First round pick, LT Russell Okung, is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason with a mid-ankle sprain.

An MRI today confirmed the injury and all reports indicate Okung will be sidelined for the next two to four weeks.

The injury apparently occurred in the first play of last night's game when Okung and guard Ben Hamilton tangled legs. Okung remained in the game to finish the short first series before being replaced by Mansfield Wrotto.

Backup tackle Ray Willis is currently awaiting knee surgery and the team is unsure of his timeline for return.

The Seahawks have yet to comment on the results of Okung's MRI.

In other team news, ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that the Seahawks have now added wide receiver Brandon Jones to the roster.

"According to a source, Jones agreed to a contract Sunday with the Seahawks, picking them over the Raiders and the Vikings," said Clayton. "Jones, 27, signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract with the 49ers in 2009 but never really fit in."

Jones played eight games for the 49ers last year and caught only one pass for 18 yards, against the Seahawks in December. He spent the previous four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

He was released by the 49ers last week.