by Curtis Crabtree
KJR reporter
Twitter: @Curtis_Crabtree

RENTON - One major focus for rookie QB Russell Wilson to improve so far this season is his pocket presence.

Early in the season, Wilson was prone to taking off out of the pocket earlier than necessary and occasionally would run himself into trouble that wasn't actually there.

Wilson has shown much improvement in those areas in recent weeks. His touchdown pass to WR Sidney Rice against the Minnesota Vikings may be the best example so far.

Wilson calmly stepped up into pocket before sliding out to the right side. Rice found a hole in the Vikings zone and Wilson connected with him for an 11-yard touchdown pass.

"He’s clearly done a better job of making more use of the opportunity to throw the football," head coach Pete Carroll said. "...It was such a great teaching illustration for us and what we’re trying to get done, and we were rewarded with a touchdown as well. That’s good stuff. I think it will really add to the factor that Russell brings."

The Seahawks had made an emphasis in improving in those situations during practice. The receivers focused on finding holes in coverage and coming back for the ball during seven-on-seven drills so when Wilson did step out of the pocket, his receivers were ready for it.

"Just having the ability to escape is a great thing to have but I'd rather sit back there and just trust my offensive line," Wilson said. "They're doing a great job of giving me enough time to make some decisions and guys are making plays. When we can do that it's hard to defend."

A total of eight players - including six starters - missed practice for the Seahawks on Thursday. Starters G James Carpenter (concussion), RB Marshawn Lynch (wrist/hand), DE Red Bryant (foot), LB K.J. Wright (concussion), S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps) and CB Richard Sherman (illness) all missed the workout on Thursday.

Sherman and DT Greg Scruggs (oblique) were new additions to the injury report after practice on Wednesday, but were unable to participate Thursday.

WR Braylon Edwards (knee) was back to limited participation in practice after missing the last two games. DT Jason Jones (ankle) was also limited.

WR Doug Baldwin (ankle), G John Moffitt (knee) and C Max Unger (finger) all fully participated.

Injury Report:

New York Jets

Did Not Participate

RB Joe McKnight (ankle)

Limited Participation

LB Bart Scott (toe)
G Brandon Moore (hip)
C Nick Mangold (ankle)
S Eric Smith (knee)
RB Bilal Powell (shoulder)
DT Sione Pouha (lower back)
DT Kendrick Ellis (knee)
S LaRon Landry (heel)

Full Participation

QB Mark Sanchez (lower back)
G Matt Slauson (knee)
LB Calvin Pace (shin)
DE Mike DeVito (finger)
WR Clyde Gates (shoulder)
TE Jeff Cumberland (wrist)
DL Damon Harrison (thumb)

Seattle Seahawks

Did Not Participate

G James Carpenter (concussion)
RB Marshawn Lynch (back/wrist)
DE Red Bryant (foot)
LB K.J. Wright (concussion)
DT Clinton McDonald (groin)
S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps)
DT Greg Scruggs (oblique)
CB Richard Sherman (illness)

Limited Participation

DT Jason Jones (ankle)
WR Braylon Edwards (knee)

Full Participation

WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
G John Moffitt (knee)
C Max Unger (finger)