Seahawks QB Hasselbeck ready to return

Nov 11, 2008 - 3:10 PM RENTON, Washington (Ticker) -- Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is set to return to practice this week and likely will start this weekend.

Hasselbeck has missed each of the last five games with complications from a bulging disk in his back but is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, barring any setbacks during the week.

"I probably should see how he practices, but I'm assuming, I don't think there will be any change in that," Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Monday. "He threw the ball around a little bit last Friday, and if he does that and can do those things and he moves fine, then, yeah, he'll probably start."

Hasselbeck, who completed 58-of-118 passes for 656 yards and two touchdowns while throwing four interceptions in the first four games, may be joined by his best receiver against the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Deion Branch also is expected to return to practice on Wednesday after missing the last five games with a bruised right heel.

Branch has appeared in only one game after missing the first three contests following offseason knee surgery. He made three catches for 31 yards during a 44-6 loss to the New York Giants in Week Five.