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Seattle breezes through minicamp feeling just super

The Sports Xchange

June 19, 2014 at 9:45 pm.

Pete Carroll eyes his offense during minicamp. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

RENTON, Wa. — The Seattle Seahawks wrapped up minicamp Thursday to conclude an offseason that coach Pete Carroll said couldn’t have gone much better.

“We’ve had just a fantastic offseason,” he said. “We had such great attendance, such great focus. We’ve seen so many guys come back to us that were on our roster last year that didn’t participate, that really gave us a boost along with the new guys (from the draft and free agent signees) and the way we worked, we got a lot done and we are really excited about that.”

Seattle did not encounter any significant injuries during the off-season. Of the 90 players on the roster, Carroll said all could be ready for training camp.

“Everybody is projected to have a shot at it,” Carroll said. “So that is what we are counting on right now.”

The two biggest questions marks are receiver Sidney Rice and linebacker/end Bruce Irvin, each coming off surgery.

“I don’t know if he will be ready the first day of camp, but through camp he will find his way back,” Carroll said of Rice, who is coming back from an ACL tear in October. “He’s in great shape now, he looks fantastic, he can run routes and all. We are just really taking our time with it.”

Carroll said Irvin, who had hip surgery earlier this spring, is iffier. “Bruce is going to be up against it a little bit,” Carroll said. “He’s had a fantastic recovery already and he is going to work his butt off to get back. But we are going to have to wait and see.”

Running back Marshawn Lynch attended the whole minicamp but did not participate due to what Carroll said was a sore ankle. Lynch threatened to hold out to make clear his desire for some more money. But as minicamp ended, there were no indications that anything was imminent in terms of a new deal for Lynch.

Carroll said safety Earl Thomas remained at the lead of the punt return competition, but indicated that receiver Percy Harvin has also made a strong move.

“It’s going to be a great competition,” he said. “Earl has been back there the most so he’s in the lead position right now. Percy really feels comfortable at this point and he’s looked great at it and we all know how explosive of a return person he can be.

“Richard (Sherman) can catch the ball really well. Doug (Baldwin) can catch the ball really well. So we’re situated with good guys. Bryan Walters is a really good catcher back there. So now we need to find out who has the best knack for it. The best feel for it.”

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