Seahawks storylines to watch as training camp approaches

The countdown to the start of Seattle Seahawks training camp is on. We’re only three weeks away from a very long offseason from finally being over. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t still work to get done for the Seahawks, or that there aren’t storylines worth following.

Right now, there are three potential storylines that I am watching out for are as we approach camp. While there are other potential news items as well, none have the potential to alter Seattle’s 2015 season quite like these three.

Contract Extensions

This is something I actually wrote about yesterday. While I don’t expect a Russell Wilson contract extension to happen this year, the Seahawks have a lot of other possible contracts that can between now and the start of training camp.

I’d be surprised if we don’t see a new contract for All-Pro middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. The two sides are close on terms, and it benefits everyone to get the deal done.

It is also possible that we see long-term extensions for one of Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy. This is especially true is the Seahawks finally conceded that getting a deal done for Wilson this year is impossible. That’ll cause them to have enough cap flexibility this year to structure other deals in team-friendly ways.

There are less options on defense, but keep an eye on Brandon Mebane. If he gets cleared for full activity as he rehabs his hamstring injury, Seattle could start talking with him about a new deal. This is especially true if the Seahawks can talk him into taking a pay reduction in favor of some long-term security.

Pre-Camp Injuries

This is a difficult subject for teams and players. Every year we see players get hurt even before training camp begins. It doesn’t even have to happen in spectacular fashion like New York’s Jason Pierre Paul’s hand injury.

Two years ago, the Seahawks lost DT/DE Greg Scruggs for the year to an ACL tear that he suffered while getting himself in shape and ready for camp. He was doing a bit of running and “pop,” his season was over. It was a tough break for a young player who coming off a promising rookie season.

Any injury that happens at this point in the offseason can be tough on teams that feel like their rosters are set and ready for training camp.

Injury Rehabs

The Seahawks have a number of players injured last season that they are hoping to have back health and ready for training camp.

All signs point to Brandon Mebane being ready for camp after his hamstring injury last season. The same goes for Cassius Marsh and Greg Scruggs.

All signs also point to Jeremy Lane missing training camp and landing on the PUP list. He had a setback with his broken arm from the Super Bowl back in May. He’s also suffered a torn ACL on that same play. He’s a long shot to return to the field before mid-season.

And then there’s wide receiver Paul Richardson, who suffered a torn ACL in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Since this is the second time he’s injured that knee, so it should be a safe bet that he’ll join Lane on the PUP list.

Well, that was the thought before he posted his video on instagram. He is moving really well and that knee is looking pretty healthy. Hopefully he can get back on the field before the season begins.

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