Veteran absences mark final day of Seahawks OTAs

Quarterback Russell Wilson runs through drills during a Seahawks pre-season practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Quarterback Russell Wilson runs through drills during a Seahawks pre-season practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Veteran absences mark final day of Seahawks OTAs 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

RENTON -- The Seattle Seahawks held their final organized team activities (OTA) practice session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center minus several key veterans.

In addition missing to Michael Bennett and Chris Clemons, neither of whom have been present for any of the voluntary workouts, the defensive line practiced without fellow defensive end Cliff Avril on Thursday.

Also absent were a whopping five members of "Legion of Boom" secondary: Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, Brandon Browner and Tye Smith.

The team's other absences were wide receiver Tyler Slavin and tight end Cooper Helfet.

With so many contributors out on defense, young players had a chance to compete for increased snaps against the No. 1 offense. Cornerbacks Tharold Simon and DeShawn Shead saw action with the first-team unit in place of Sherman and Lane, while defensive ends Frank Clark and Ryan Robinson rotated in with the starters in place of Avril and Bennett.

Kelcie McCray, who played well in when filling in for Kam Chancellor at strong safety last year, spent much of the day in Thomas' free safety spot.

Defense applying pressure

Clark, the team's second-round pick in 2015, stood out on several plays on Thursday, blowing by left tackle Bradley Sowell early in 11-on-11 drills for what would have been a sure blindside sack of quarterback Russell Wilson.

That wasn't a rare occurrence, as any offensive rhythm was marred by numerous penalties and drive-killing sacks or tackles for loss -- or what approximates sacks and tackles for loss during a "non-contact" live period.

Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis beat tight end Nick Vannett one-one-one for a sack and Robinson stopped Wilson for a loss on a read option play.

Later in the two-hour practice, Chancellor broke through the line for a clear shot at undrafted rookie backup quarterback Trevone Boykin. Though Boykin looked to have spun out of a hit, head coach Pete Carroll blew the play dead for a sack over the loud protestations of Boykin, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and the rest of the offensive players.

The offense had its fair share of moments -- particularly in the passing game courtesy of Wilson, wide receivers Paul Richardson and Kasen Williams and tight end Luke Willson, and in a couple of runs by rookie Alex Collins -- but by the end of the session it was clear the offense felt more than a little frustrated over the repeated mistakes.

When middle linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrated after breaking up a short pass intended for Willson over the middle, wide receiver Doug Baldwin took exception.

"Don't act like you made a play!" Baldwin repeatedly yelled at a preening Wagner, pointing out that the ball was thrown well behind Willson.

Walking wounded

In addition to the absences, several players sat out Thursday's session, including wide receiver Kenny Lawler, running back C.J. Prosise, linebacker Khairi Fortt, tackle Garry Gilliam and defensive linemen DeAngelo Tyson and Quinton Jefferson.

Carroll didn't speak with reporters afterward so there were no injury updates, but Prosise was dealing with a hip flexor issue at the start of OTAs, and Gilliam underwent a procedure to remove and cyst from his knee last week.

After suffering season-ending injuries last year, tight end Jimmy Graham (knee) and running back Thomas Rawls (ankle) remained out on Thursday, though both were on the sidelines with their teammates.

Offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb, currently the favorite to win the teams' starting right tackle position, participated in position drills on Thursday after sitting out the first two OTA sessions open to the media with a calf strain. He did not participate during the 11-on-11 period.

Play of the day

Second-year wideout Antwan Goodley's diving one-armed catch at the sideline on a long throw from quarterback Jake Heaps was originally ruled incomplete by officials working the practice. But after a short huddle with Carroll, the referees changed their minds, giving Goodley his due for a strong effort.

On to the next

With OTAs over, the Seahawks now move on to their mandatory veteran minicamp Tuesday through Thursday next week. Keep checking seattlepi.com for more Seahawks offseason coverage.

Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle Seahawks news. Contact sports editor Stephen Cohen at stephencohen@seattlepi.com or @scohenPI.