Braced Lineman Nielsen Expects to Play Saturday

Fitted with a brace, defensive lineman Ryan Nielsen returned to practice Wednesday after missing two weeks because of a separated shoulder. Coach Pete Carroll wasn’t ready to proclaim him fit for Saturday’s game against Arizona State, but Nielsen had no doubt.

“I’ll play definitely,” he said. “As much as they need me ... that’s how good it feels.”

It felt just as good for the rest of the line, which learned earlier this week that Bernard Riley is out for the season.

“It helps having a veteran out there, someone who has played in big games against big lines,” defensive end Lonnie Ford said.

Nielsen, a senior, is expected to rotate with freshman Mike Patterson at nose tackle, where he played for three seasons before moving over a spot this fall. “I’m a little rusty, but it’s not like a whole new position,” he said. “It’s just good to get back out there running around.”

Senior lineman Bobby DeMars hoped to return from a neck injury but was told by a specialist he must wait another week.

Linebacker Chris Prosser missed practice Wednesday because of lingering headaches from a concussion. Tailback Sultan McCullough rested and reserve Chris Howard suffered what Carroll called a minor injury, missing the last part of practice.