RENTON, Wash. -- All signs are pointing toward Matt Hasselbeck returning as the reeling Seattle Seahawks' quarterback for Sunday's home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The three-time Pro Bowl passer looked sharp while completing a second consecutive practice Thursday. It's his first work since he broke a rib Sept. 20 on a goal-line dive at San Francisco.
The Seahawks officially listed Hasselbeck as limited on the daily practice report it filed to the league. However, Hasselbeck took the majority of snaps with the first-team offense, with backup Seneca Wallace left with just a few.
Hasselbeck didn't look very limited to top receiver Nate Burleson. He expects Hasselbeck to be throwing to him Sunday.
"Yeah, he wouldn't be taking as many reps as he has this week if he wasn't," Burleson said. "Plus, he looks good, really zipping the ball in there."
Burleson was smiling while talking about Hasselbeck's return. Seattle (1-3) has lost three consecutive games, with Hasselbeck missing 2½ of them.
"When you are labeled a starter at quarterback in this league, that's a big deal," said Burleson, who's second in the NFC with 24 catches. "Regardless of whether the backup is better, or as good, they want him on the field. And by 'they,' I mean players, coaches, fans, the whole organization.
"It does more for the morale of the team than anything."
The Seahawks could use a pick-me-up. Five starters, including three-fifths of the offensive line, already are out for Sunday's game.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
