TE Andy Stokes added, CB Gerard Ross waived

The Seahawks added TE Andy Stokes to the roster, and released CB Gerard Ross. Ross was back and forth between the practice squad and the street last season, and made a brief appearance on the active roster (January 12th) when they were trying to replace the CBs on IR for the game against the Chicago Bears.

I assume the move means Leonard Stephens hurt his ankle bad enough in practice yesterday that he probably won't play on Sunday, so they brought in Stokes to fill the void with Will Heller not even making the trip. The biggest beneficiary is probably Joe Newton, who can now do something more than stand around with his helmet in his hand.

Stokes was Mr. Irrelevant in the 2005 NFL Draft and chosen by the New England Patriots. He spent 2005 on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad after being waived in early August by the Patriots. He was allocated to NFL Europe following the 2005 season, and was released by the Cardinals last August a few weeks before the final cutdown.

2005 NFL Draft: Andy Stokes Prospect Profile (from NFL.com)

It might be too late of notice for Stokes to even make the trip with the Seahawks to San Diego. But sometimes during this time of year, a new free agent will play right away in the second half of an exhibition game. And the move right before the game makes you think he will play. It could also just be a precaution with a few of the TEs nicked up. They tend to rest Pollard a decent amount in practice as well, so they could be in need of another body in practice.

If you want to know how likely Andy Stokes is to stick, then take a look at the players signed in the first half of August since 2003: K Remy Hamilton, QB Bryson Spinner, DT Cleveland Pinkney, RB Dante Brown, C Taylor Schmidt, TE Matt Murphy, WR Justin Surrency, and G Jason Murphy.

And I don't think the injury to Leonard Stephens can be too bad. He was supposedly injured in the morning practice on Friday, but was working with the hands team in the afternoon practice. Maybe he will even play tomorrow.

The release of Gerard Ross is a good sign for Kevin Hobbs, Patrick Ghee and C.J Wallace. It looks like they are the DBs with the best chances of getting signed to the practice squad. Kevin Hobbs has been playing nickel corner with the second unit in practice, which makes him the front runner among the DBs being considered for a practice squad spot. Dennis Davis and Wally Dada are the only other options.