Pitts Released, Hill to Injured Reserve, Terrill Returns

If you’re cut by the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, don’t take it personally.

In fact, don’t do anything. Don’t leave town, change your schedule, or forget your playbook.

Seattle’s new front office enjoys shuffling the roster so much it has become routine. Every week, players are added, dropped, and reacquired.

This week, the Seahawks announced they had cut offensive lineman Chester Pitts, who had been struggling to return following a serious knee injury suffered last fall. Last July, Pitts agreed to a one-year contract with Seattle that could have been worth up to $2 million if certain incentives were met.

Pitts, however, did not participate throughout training camp and has not practiced with the team until recently. Up until yesterday, the team seemed confident Pitts would be able to start contributing soon; his departure was sudden and somewhat unexpected, and only proves the coaching staff may have been too optimistic.

To replace Pitts on the roster, the Seahawks brought back Mike Gibson, who was released earlier this week as well. Gibson started earlier in the season for Seattle but was eventually replaced by Ben Hamilton. Gibson’s return to the roster will probably be short-lived, as the team only needs an interior lineman familiar with the system to replace Pitts.

Earlier in the week, the Seahawks added linemen Breno Giacomini and Allen Barbre, but they’re probably not ready to contribute yet. I would be surprised if either player is active this Sunday in St. Louis.

Mike Gibson is released, Chester Pitts is released, and Mike Gibson returns. The wheel keeps spinning, but the Seahawks still aren’t finished.

Today, the team announced linebacker Leroy Hill has been placed in the injured reserve, ending his season. Hill has been struggling with injuries for quite awhile, but suffered a serious Achilles injury after he returned from suspension in week two. The injury was not initially considered serious, but a few days after it was evident Hill would miss significant time.

Hill is done for the 2010 season, and he may not play another down for the Seattle Seahawks either. After restructuring his contract earlier this month, Hill is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following the season.

The team has obviously prepared itself to move on without Leroy Hill.

To replace Hill on the roster, fan-favorite Craig Terrill was added. Terrill, who had been with the team since 2004 before being cut before the season began, re-joins the defensive tackle rotation and should be able to contribute immediately. He may not be active this weekend, but should be ready to go if the team needs him.

Assuming, of course, no additional moves are made before Sunday’s game.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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