James Carpenter Returns to Practice for the Seahawks and More NFC West News

Monday's practice in Renton, Washington was the first time James Carpenter had been on the football field since tearing his ACL last December. And there really wasn't any question whether or not Carpenter was happy to be back. 

Eric Williams of the The Bellingham Herald, interviewed No. 75 after practice and here's what he had to say about getting back out there with his teammates: “It felt great. Like I said, I’ve been waiting for 10 months to be back, so I’m happy.”

It figures that Carpenter won't be a full go for at least a few weeks as he is limited to only individual work while he tries to get back into shape, but the decision to not put him on the PUP is telling. From here on out it's up to offensive line coach Tom Cable to get the second year player ready for his move to left guard. 

Carpenter feels like left guard is where he belongs and wasn't opposed to the switch since the coaching staff approached him about it: “I’m happy playing guard,” Carpenter said. “I feel like that is where I should be playing.”

The rest of the NFC West was equally as busy over the long weekend, so let's get caught up on where the other three teams stand. 

Arizona Cardinals

Kent Somers of AZCentral.com talks about how injuries have impacted the Cardinals offense, especially the offensive line. 

Kevin Bonneville of the Examiner.com sheds light on Arizona's practice squad and how it's dominated by local players. 

San Francisco 49ers

According to Cam Inman of the MercuryNews.com, the 49ers have placed Parys Haralson on IR with a left arm injury. San Francisco signed former Cardinals OLB Clark Haggans to replace Haralson on the active roster.  

Joe Levitt of Bleacher Report breaks down the 49ers rookie class after the preseason. 

Seattle Seahawks

Michael O'Shea of the blog Seattle Sports Nut tells us why head coach Pete Carroll is taking a gamble by starting Russell Wilson. 

Josh Stein of Bleacher Report feels the class of 2012 rookies is Pete Carroll's best. 

St. Louis Rams

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch examines the Rams extreme youth movement from head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead. 

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch runs us down on the latest cuts and practice squad additions for the Rams. The Billy Devaney draft busts are slowly making their way off the Rams roster.