Clark says QB competition good for offense

SEATTLE, Wash. - Tight end Desmond Clark is looking at the positive side of the quarterback competition that has contenders Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman splitting reps in practices and games.

"What I've been saying the whole time is that it's a good thing that we get to work with both quarterbacks," said Clark, third on the team last year with 44 catches and 545 receiving yards.

"Most of the time during the year you have to use more than one quarterback. Sometime down the road, we might have to use that second quarterback, and all this work that we're getting will be good when he comes in so he already has a good feel for everybody."

Grossman, Orton and Brian Griese all started games last season.

Between Clark and Greg Olsen, who caught 39 passes for 391 yards as a rookie, the Bears' tight ends combined for 83 receptions and 936 yards last season.

Because of the uncertainty on this year's offensive line, there is concern that Clark and Olsen might have to devote more time to protecting the quarterback than providing him with a target. But Clark, who suffered a knee injury in the first quarter Saturday night and didn't return, isn't worried about the line.

"I don't think we're going to change anything," the 10-year veteran said. "Our offensive line, I think, will be able to protect just as well as any other offensive line. I don't see any reason why the tight ends would have to stay in (and block) any extra than we usually do."

Making it special: Special-teams coordinator Dave Toub usually has his coverage and return units liberally sprinkled with rookies. Many of them didn't play much on special teams in college because they were offensive or defensive standouts, but Toub said it doesn't take long for them to realize the importance of contributing in any way they can.

"I think it takes just a couple meetings, a couple times watching tape, and watching our guys and how hard they play and how our veterans emphasize it, how they talk about it every day and how Lovie talks about it," Toub said.

"That makes a big difference for the young players. A guy like (tight end) Kellen (Davis) has never played special teams. A lot of those guys who were stars never played it.

"But if we can take that talent that they had in college and put the effort in on special teams, we're going to get exactly what we want."

Here and there: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris did not play Saturday on the artificial turf at Qwest Field to relieve stress on his knees, and wide receiver Rashied Davis did not make the trip so he could attend the birth of his first child.

Safety Brandon McGowan (ankle), defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek (calf), guard Terrence Metcalf (knee), running back Kevin Jones (knee) and offensive tackle Chris Williams (back) also did not play.

Josh Beekman started at left guard in place of Metcalf, Kevin Payne replaced McGowan at strong safety, and Israel Idonije stepped in for Harris.

Payne (back) and linebacker Nick Roach (concussion) were injured early in the second half and did not return.

The Seahawks had 23 players miss practice the Monday before Saturday's game, and 13 did not suit up Saturday, including wide receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram and defensive end Patrick Kerney. Charlie Frye started at quarterback in place of Matt Hasselbeck.