Seahawks’ Russell may not play

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Just as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was getting back to relatively full health, the quarterback of the Seahawks’ surging defense is hurting.

Hard-hitting free safety Brian Russell missed another day of practice Friday and is questionable to start today when the NFC West champions play at Carolina.

Russell, one of three free-agent acquisitions who have greatly improved the defense, watched the short practice while wearing an electric stimulation pack attached to his torso. If he can’t play, extra defensive back Jordan Babineaux will likely make his first start of the season along side strong safety Deon Grant.

When asked if Russell was OK, Coach Mike Holmgren said, “I think so.”

“That’s going to be a Sunday decision,” Holmgren added. “He has a little pull in his abdomen. I think we are being a little conservative with him, but he’s very important to us.”

Russell arrived with Grant in the off-season to replace the since-departed Michael Boulware and Ken Hamlin as starting safeties, after Seattle repeatedly allowed huge plays down the middle of the field last season.

With Russell and Grant as the last line, the Seahawks have allowed just 10 touchdown passes in 13 games, tied for fewest in the league. That and Patrick Kerney’s 10 sacks in the last five weeks are a large reason why Seattle has allowed only 228 points, second-fewest in the NFC behind Tampa Bay (215), and has won five consecutive games.

Holmgren said Russell isn’t sure when or how he hurt the muscle, but that the former member of the Cleveland Browns (2005-06) and Minnesota Vikings (2001-04) has a history of abdomen strains.