John

Moffitt

Frank Omiyale will also be in the mix, and Seattle is expected to add some offensive line help via the draft. Pro Football Focus graded McQusitan as average in 2011, but he was the top-rated guard on the Seahawks. John Moffitt is the favorite to start on the right side, but must fend off newly-signed Deuce Lutui.

Moffitt had surgery on November 24, so he’ll be a full eight months removed by the start of camp. “John Moffitt is working out hard now, so he should be in good shape,” coach Pete Carroll said. “So we’re not too far off there.” Moffitt is expected to be Seattle’s starting right guard when the season opens.

The injury didn’t look great. The third-round rookie’s return is doubtful. Practice squad type Lemuel Jeanpierre has replaced Moffitt.

He’ll undergo a battery of tests on Monday, but it sounds like the Seahawks are expecting the worst. A third-round pick, Moffitt has started all nine games this season. He was replaced by Lemuel Jeanpierre on Sunday.

The third-rounder out of Wisconsin received one of Pro Football Focus’ lowest grades of the season for his play against the Bengals three weeks ago. Missing out on six games of experience for next season is bigger loss than turning to backup Lemuel Jeanpierre.

We suppose the good news is Moffitt avoided an ACL tear. The third-round rookie has struggled as both a run and pass blocker this season. Lemuel Jeanpierre figures to be Seattle’s starting right guard, perhaps the rest of the way.

NFL policy allows players to serve out suspensions on injured reserve, so Moffitt won’t miss a game due to the infraction. The 2011 third-rounder is fully expected to open the 2012 season as Seattle’s starter at right guard.

It’s another blow to a Seahawks line that annually can’t keep front-five starters off the shelf. Moffitt, a 2011 third-round pick out of Wisconsin, should still be ready for the start of the season. But continuity is a big deal in Seattle’s zone-run scheme, and they’re going to enter the year without it.

Moffitt worked with the first-team offense at right guard, so the knee appears to be no longer an issue. Frank Omiyale is working at left tackle, though starter Russell Okung (pectoral surgery) is close to being cleared for a full return.

Marshawn Lynch was limited in Wednesday’s practice for rest purposes, but was full go on both Thursday and Friday. He’s ready to go against the Patriots’ top-10 run defense. Pat McQuistan is making another start in Moffitt’s absence. Moffitt remains week-to-week.