Seattle Seahawks starting linebacker Terence Garvin is “doubtful” heading into Sunday’s home opener against division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.

Garvin, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury and did not practice on Thursday, is a “little further away” in his recovery, according to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

Linebacker Michael Wilhoite could step in for Garvin, who played as strongside linebacker during Wilhoite’s absence, if he returns to the field this week.

“Mike’s played that spot all along,” Carroll said on Friday. “Yeah, Mike is a likely candidate to play there,”

Wilhoite, who has yet to play for the Seahawks in the preseason or regular season, was a “limited” participant in Thursday’s practice due to a calf injury and has been optimistic about making it back this week.

“It’s his first week back in some time,” Carroll said. “Mike got off to a great start for us and then a couple different things kept him away for some time. Very smart player, very savvy guy. He knows what he’s doing. He’ll play good football for us.”

Wilhoite is listed as backup middle linebacker on the Seahawks depth chart, but entered camp as a strongside linebacker. Seattle has said Wilhoite can play both those positions, as well as weakside linebacker.

Nonetheless, Wilhoite’s Seahawks debut would come at a good time, as the five-year veteran played for the 49ers for six seasons. In 2016, Willhoite recorded 55 tackles and forced one fumble for San Francisco.

We’ll have to wait and see if Wilhoite slips into Garvin’s spot come Sunday, when Seattle hosts San Francisco at 1:25 p.m. PT.