Seahawks sign FB/DE Will Tukuafu, promote L.J. Fort to active roster; Injury updates

The Seahawks have signed veteran fullback Will Tukuafu and promoted LB L.J. Fort to the active 53-man roster. These announcements come a day after the team released WR Phil Bates and TE Brett Brackett.

Tukuafu tried out last week with a handful of other fullbacks as Seattle looked to replace Derrick Coleman after placing him on the IR. The Hawks ran with Robert Turbin as their fullback at St. Louis and Carolina but apparently feel that getting an experienced specialist in there makes most sense for the rest of the season. The 6'4, 280-pound former 49er fits the bill.

Tukuafu is a 30-year old former undrafted free agent out of Oregon that actually signed with the Hawks in 2010. He was released and caught on with the Niners, where he played fullback and defensive end. Pete Carroll mentioned that once Tukuafu gets up to speed, the team "absolutely" can use him at defensive end as well.

The Fort promotion coincides with K.J. Wright telling 950 KJR's Ian Furness and Jason Puckett that he won't be playing at the middle linebacker spot again this week. Logic says that rookie Brock Coyle will get the nod in the middle, allowing K.J. to get back to his sweet spot on the outside. Rookie Kevin Pierre-Louis could also play a role in the reshuffle, either at Malcolm Smith's spot or in spot-duty inside. I would imagine that Fort serves as a backup plan in case of any injuries.

Personnel Notes:

-- C Max Unger practiced Wednesday for the first time in a few weeks. He will see how he feels tomorrow but there's a chance he could return to the lineup this weekend.

-- WR Bryan Walters cleared concussion protocol and returned to practice. Pete Carroll wouldn't say whether he'll go back to returning kickoffs and punts. Paul Richardson handled kickoffs last week and Richard Sherman did punts.

-- CB Byron Maxwell is day to day with his ankle injury. He has a shot to play this weekend but it's too early to call.

-- S Jeron Johnson is still going through the concussion protocol and his status for the weekend is unknown.

-- TE Zach Miller has apparently made significant progress with his ankle injury but will not be ready by this weekend. LB Bobby Wagner will miss this weekend's game as well.

-- DB Eric Pinkins is back to practicing this week. Pete Carroll said he is now back to his college position at safety after taking a look at him as a cornerback for the first few months.