Part of the reason why the Seahawks added rookie tight end Clayton Echard before the start of the team's second practice of training camp became clear as offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell met with the media Sunday, when he was asked about Cooper Helfet's absence from Seattle's recently-wrapped up workout.
"He cracked a bone in his foot," Bevell said of Helfet, who's entering his fifth NFL season. "So we're going to miss him for a little bit."
Bevell did not have a timeline for Helfet's return, but he'll head to the sideline for now alongside fellow tight end Jimmy Graham, who started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform List with running back Thomas Rawls. Graham and Rawls are both on track to be ready for the regular-season opener.
Even with Helfet and Graham on the mend, Seattle has plenty of healthy bodies at the tight end position, including veteran Luke Willson, 2016 third-round pick Nick Vannett, offseason addition Brandon Williams, Ronnie Shields, the newly-signed Echard, and Brandon Cottom, who's also been working at fullback.
UPDATE (8/1):Coach Pete Carroll confirmed what Bevell said Sunday in that Helfet did break a bone in his foot, an injury that "does require surgery," Carroll said.
Check out the fans that came out for Day 2 of Seahawks training camp practice at Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Assistant coach Tom Cable talks to the offensive unit during halftime.
Head coach Pete Carroll exhorts his team before they leave the locker room for the second half.
Seahawks receivers Doug Baldwin and Paul Richardson celebrate after Baldwin's third quarter touchdown.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin collides with safety Earl Thomas but Griffin hangs on for an interception.
Safety Earl Thomas celebrates after teammate Shaquill Griffin comes up with an interception in the second half.
Quarterback Russell Wilson looks to block for running back Mike Davis on a long run in the third quarter.
Seattle's defense continued to pressure Arizona quarterback Drew Stanton in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson hurdles fallen tight end Luke Willson, who dove to make a block to give Wilson additional running room.
An official watches closely as Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin keeps both of his feet inbounds on a touchdown reception that gave Seattle the lead in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates after watching his team take a 24-23 lead in the fourth quarter over the Arizona Cardinals.
Seahawks tight end Luke Willson makes his way up the sideline.
