Housh starting tour in Seattle

You know how a few minutes ago I said that a visit usually is a formality, and that if the player passes their physical they almost always sign a deal right away? Well, that's true 99% of the time, but it might not be so in the case of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Housh is set to visit Seattle today, which would normally lead you to believe a deal would be struck, but considering he's the top free-agent left he might be using the visit as leverage to force the hand of another team interested in acquiring his services.

Houshmandzadeh released a list of teams he'd like to play for that included the Seahawks, as well as the Giants, Eagles and Vikings. I think it's most likely that he'll end up a Seahawk after this visit, because they're the team that is most desperate to add a wide reciever. The other three teams all made the playoffs last season and all (except for maybe NY) already have a solid corps of receivers should they start the season today.

The 'Hawks know that the NFC West isn't going to be a cakewalk anymore, with the emergence of the Cardinals. They need help to stay competitive and they'll pay T.J. handsomely.

Hasselbeck, Branch Return for the 'Hawks

The Seahawks Offense has been decimated by injuries this season, but the grim situation just got a little bit brighter: Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch finally returned to the practice field today.

Matt Hasselbeck is a three-time Pro Bowl Quarterback who missed the last five games with a bulging disc. Deion Branch, a former Super Bowl MVP with the Patriots, also missed five games with a heel injury.

Hasselbeck's return couldn't have come at a better time considering his backup Seneca Wallace suffered a groin injury this past week. Charlie Frye is set to back Hasselbeck - or start, if Hasslebeck doesn't quite make it.

The Seahawks are currently mired at 2-7 and - barring about a thousand miracles - are going to miss the playoffs this season, but it will be nice to have your two top playmakers back in the lineup. It would certainly make the next seven weeks a little more bearable for Seahawks fans.