by Sports Xchange

Updated: December 5, 2008, 2:40 AM EST

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Webster hurt his ankle in the first quarter against Pittsburgh and is now done for the year. Webster has had horrible luck with injuries throughout his career, which is one of the reasons he didn't make the team out of training camp. The Patriots brought him back later in the season after losing several defensive backs. His role will likely go to rookie Jonathan Wilhite, who filled in against Pittsburgh.

Colvin's role remains to be seen. Woods and Mike Vrabel had been starting at outside linebacker since Thomas went down, but Woods left Sunday's game with a mouth injury. Colvin might still have something left in the tank, but it'll mostly be as a situational pass rusher.

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Richard Seymour was removed from the practice participation report Thursday, which is good news for the Patriots since they need all the help they can get to reestablish their pass rush this weekend.

--DE Ty Warren missed another practice Thursday with a thigh injury and his status remains in doubt for Sunday since he hasn't played the last two weeks. The Patriots have missed his presence considering their struggles on defense in those games.

--CB Ellis Hobbs was listed under the "limited participation" portion of the practice report Thursday due to a shoulder injury. He should be ready to go Sunday in Seattle barring any setbacks.

--C Dan Koppen is nursing an elbow injury, but was on the field for the entire practice Thursday, so expect to see him in the lineup Sunday as well.

--LB Pierre Woods missed Thursday's practice with a jaw injury sustained in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. His potential absence could pave the way for Rosevelt Colvin to play in Seattle.

--WR Wes Welker was on the field during media availability at practice Wednesday, which is a good sign for the Patriots. He took a hard hit Sunday and it appeared at the time he might not be ready for the road trip out West.

--RB LaMont Jordan should be ready to play this weekend. He suited up Sunday, but didn't get any carries, and has been on the field for practice this week, so all signs point to an expanded role in Seattle.

--WR Kelley Washington continues to battle injuries as a thigh injury kept him off the practice field Wednesday during media availability. Washington hasn't been 100 percent all year, which limits the Patriots at wide receiver and on special teams.

GAME PLAN: First and foremost, the Patriots need to run the ball effectively this weekend against what is an average at best defense. The loss of Laurence Maroney can no longer be used as an excuse. The Patriots need LaMont Jordan to chip in this weekend and they need more from Sammy Morris, who has been a non-factor since his return.

Without a running game, the Patriots could look as helpless this weekend as they did Sunday against Pittsburgh. The offense was too one-dimensional and Matt Cassel struggled mightily against one of the league's top defenses. The Seahawks aren't nearly as good, so look for Cassel to get back on track Sunday.

On the flipside, the Patriots must get after the passer again -- even if they don't have Warren in the lineup. Mike Wright and Jarvis Green need to do more, because it's clear this secondary is not good enough to get by without a consistent pass rush.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Patriots DE Richard Seymour vs. Seahawks LT Walter Jones. Seymour complained about not getting enough playing time against the Steelers, so he'll have the chance to prove his worth against a wily veteran like Jones, who is still tough to deal with despite the fact his best years are clearly behind him. The Patriots' pass rush has been far too inconsistent and they need Seymour to lead the charge for the stretch run.

Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant. Will Seattle be bold enough to leave its defenders in one-on-one coverage with Moss? Miami tried and paid the price two weeks ago, so expect more trickery from Seattle, though it's worth noting Trufant has arguably been their best cover corner this season, so he might get some chances to guard Moss alone. Whoever wins this battle could affect the outcome of the game.

INJURY IMPACT: Colvin will be active Sunday, so expect to see plenty of the veteran linebacker with Woods' status uncertain. Whether Colvin can pick up where he left off after sitting out for 12 weeks remains to be seen.

--WR Sam Aiken should continue to get more opportunities now that Washington is nursing a thigh injury. Welker's availability is up in the air too, so Aiken may be a weapon in short-yardage situations.

--Wright will be asked to pick up the slack again in the trenches if Warren is unable to play. This is a tough predicament for the Patriots, who need to reestablish their pass rush and focus more on stopping the run during the final month of the season.