by Curtis Crabtree
KJR reporter
Twitter: @Curtis_Crabtree

RENTON - The Seattle Seahawks will be heading into their divisional round matchup with the Atlanta Falcons with a pair of new faces.

The Seahawks officially placed K Steven Hauschka and DE Chris Clemons on injured reserve on Wednesday. They are the first two starters to land on injured reserve this season for Seattle. G James Carpenter started seven games for Seattle but was placed on the non-football illness list.

Seattle signed 15-year veteran K Ryan Longwell and DE Patrick Chukwurah to take their places on the active roster.

Longwell was let go by the Minnesota Vikings in May and has not played this season.

"It’s obviously a great opportunity," Longwell said. "The team is hot, they’ve got a lot of good talent, and when you’ve got a hot team you’ve got something special going and it’s a good thing to be a part of and so it’s an awesome opportunity and I feel really blessed to be here."

Chukwurah has not played in the NFL since 2008 and was working as a personal trainer.

Both earned roster spots following tryouts on Tuesday. Longwell reportedly beat out K Neil Rackers and K Carson Wiggs while Chukwurah was signed over DE Ray Edwards, DE Aaron Maybin and DE Travis Laboy.

Chukwurah last played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008 while Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was serving as linebackers coach and defensive line coach Todd Wash was employed in the same role. Chukwurah led the UFL in sacks in two consecutive seasons he played with the Florida Tuskers.

"We are excited to bring him in, he’s been a special teams player as well, and he did lead the UFL in sacks the last couple of years so he’s had some production which is good," head coach Pete Carroll said. Right now we’re trying to get someone to come in and play really hard, and we know that that is a guarantee with Patrick.

RB Marshawn Lynch is the only starter for Seattle listed on the injury report. Lynch has appeared on the injury report most of the season with a back injury, but he did not practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury. It still doesn't seem to be something to worry about at this point.

CB Byron Maxwell and S Jeron Johnson each missed practice with hamstring injuries.

Injury Report:

Atlanta Falcons

Did Not Participate

S Charles Mitchell (calf)
CB Chris Owens (hamstring)

Limited Participation

DE John Abraham (ankle)
S William Moore (hamstring)

Full Participation

CB Dunta Robinson (head)

Seattle Seahawks

Did Not Participate

RB Marshawn Lynch (foot)
CB Byron Maxwell (hamstring)
S Jeron Johnson (hamstring)