KIRKLAND, Wash. (Feb. 12, 2007) -- Matt Hasselbeck 's potentially long, dark offseason keeps getting brighter.
Seattle Seahawks president of football operations Tim Ruskell said the team is pleased with the progress its 2006 Super Bowl and Pro Bowl quarterback is making from shoulder surgery last month.
After the Jan. 18 surgery that successfully reattached the torn labrum cartilage in Hasselbeck's left, non-throwing shoulder, Ruskell said he didn't expect Hasselbeck to miss the entire offseason.
"We are very happy with Matt's rehabilitation," Ruskell said Feb. 12, between scouting meetings at team headquarters.
Ruskell would not elaborate on what exactly that rehabilitation currently entails or when Hasselbeck will be back on the field throwing. Hasselbeck was in Miami for Super Bowl week earlier this month for promotional appearances while wearing a brace on his left arm.
Immediately after the surgery, the Seahawks said Hasselbeck "should be ready for training camp at worst, if not before" July.
"We're happy with his rehabilitation -- I'll leave it at that," Ruskell said.
Renowned specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., repaired the cartilage after Hasselbeck sought a second opinion following Seahawks doctors advising surgery. Hasselbeck first injured the shoulder during a Jan. 4, 2004, playoff loss at Green Bay.
Pain returned this past season -- and not just in his shoulder. He also broke two fingers, sprained a knee and missed four games, and had his worst season since his first as Seahawks starter in 2001. He completed just 56.6 percent of his passes, his lowest rate in five seasons, and threw 15 interceptions in the regular season. With three more interceptions in two playoff games, he had his most over an entire season in his eight-year career.
Ruskell was also busy saying goodbye to Mike Reinfeldt. Tennessee hired Seattle's vice president of football operations and salary cap guru to become the Titans' new general manager.
"We are sad to see him leaving the organization. But we are very happy for what he and his family are about to begin," Ruskell said of the former Houston Oilers defensive back.
