Bumpus

I grew up a WSU fan, so I was happy to see him catch a touchdown in Sunday's game. I hope it's not his last.

Every report I'm ready says that Engram and Branch will be back for the Giants game. So, after weathering the storm of injuries at receiver, the Seahawks will have the following receivers available for the week five game against the Giants:

• Branch - obviously kept on the roster, though probably with limited snaps initially, potentially requiring an extra active receiver. That, or a game plan that involves lots of two running back, one tight end sets.
• Engram - also on the roster, likely at full speed.
• Colbert - he cost the Seahawks at least a fifth-round pick, and he had (still has, hopefully) potential.
• Robinson - no way he's dropped after being back, and inactive, for a week. Right? Moreso than Colbert, there's a ton of potential once he's in game shape. Plus he can return kicks.
  
• Taylor - this guy has got to be on thin ice, right? He's already been demoted out of his starting job. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in a Taylor (re)evaluation meeting between Ruskell, Holmgren and the rest.
• Bumpus - with Engram coming back, his value as a slot receiver decreases significantly, but he still has value returning punts.
• McMullen - you like to root for the underdog, but this guy was signed off the street for a reason, right?

Believe it or not, we're right back in the same situation we were at the start of training camp - a couple of established starters and a bunch of reserves competing for a few spots. And one name I didn't list was Jordan Kent, who probably won't make an appearance on the 53-man roster but is guaranteed to stay on the practice squad. Would the Seahawks keep two receivers on the practice squad? Kent, Taylor, and Payne were all on the practice squad at points last year.

In recent years Holmgren has kept a total of 11 receivers and running backs. With Forsett gone to Indy the running backs are set at five. Babin was released, and I can't see any new defensive players being added, meaning six spots will definitely be available for receivers. Actually, a quick review of the current roster shows that all seven of the above receivers are on the 53-man roster, so the Seahawks don't have to cut one (or more) with Branch and Engram coming back. So... do we keep seven receivers just because we can? Hell, we're keeping two kickers. Maybe another linebacker to help with special teams.

Whatever the case, I hope to see Bumpus fielding punts as the season goes on. Just so long as he catches said punts.