Marcus

Trufant

Bobby Taylor could step up if Trufant can’t play this week. The second-year pro has had a solid season.

The Seahawks’ struggling secondary takes another hit. Brandon Browner is getting abused weekly, and he’ll see plenty of Hakeem Nicks today. Mario Manningham is back in the lineup, getting votes of confidence from his coaches and now won’t have to deal with Trufant. The other Seahawks inactives: QB Josh Portis, WR Mike Williams, T Jarriel King, G Robert Gallery, LB Malcolm Smith and CB Byron Maxwell. Walter Thurmond is starting in place of Trufant.

Originally set to earn an untenable $7.2 million in 2012, he was released by the Seahawks last week. Four years removed from being an All Pro, Trufant appeared in just four games last season before a back injury sent him to injured reserve. Interestingly enough, Trufant’s agent is also the Broncos’ new salary cap official.

Trufant drew interest from the Broncos in free agency, but is likely returning to Seattle for the veteran’s minimum. Now going on age 32, Trufant appeared in just four games last season before a “flare up” of his chronic back injury sent him to I.R. Trufant was drafted by Seattle in 2003 and is the longest tenured Seahawk. He won’t be assured of a roster spot this summer.

We already had Trufant listed as a free agent because he was never going to be back after reworking his contract last offseason. His 2012 base salary was slated to be $7.2 million. Seattle, quietly, has one of the top young secondaries in football even with Trufant moving on. Chronic back problems will shake his market value, but Trufant should be able to find one more shot. He’s 31 years old and has plenty of ties around the league, including to Falcons DBs coach Tim Lewis. Trufant was the longest-tenured Seahawk in 2011. He’d been with the club since being drafted with the 11th overall pick in 2003.

The 2003 first-rounder is the longest-tenured of the Seahawks. He lasted just four games in 2011 before ongoing back issues sent him to injured reserve. With Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner emerging as quality starters, it’s hard to believe the 31-year-old Trufant remains in the team’s plans.

“There are a lot of nuances about this thing that he never had to pay attention to before, so he’s learning kind of like a first-timer,” Carroll said. “But he has so much savvy and ability, we think that it could be a great spot for him.” Making just $1 million, Trufant should be assured of a roster spot barring a disastrous camp.

“We’re really surprised that popped up; it’s going to be really hard for him to get back from that,” said coach Pete Carroll about Trufant’s injury. With the possible suspensions of Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman looming, Trufant’s health could leave the Seahawks extremely thin at corner for their playoff push over the last month of the season.