Seattle releases OL Chester Pitts

RENTON, Wash. (AP) - The Seattle Seahawks released offensive lineman Chester Pitts on Thursday, a day after coach Pete Carroll sounded hopeful Pitts might start this week against St. Louis.

After Thursday's practice, Carroll said it was apparent that Pitts would not be ready for this week and the Seahawks would be short on the offensive line if the move wasn't made. Pitts experienced soreness in his surgically repaired right knee following Wednesday's practice. To make sure the Seahawks have enough linemen for Sunday's game, Carroll said the prudent move was to release Pitts in the hopes of bringing him back when he's healthier.

"In the situation we're in we had to make a spot for a guy on the roster. We're hoping Chester will get well," Carroll said. "He's just got to get over the hump. He's close, but he's not able to go yet. ... We're hoping he'll get back here quickly."

Carroll said Mike Gibson, who was re-signed to the Seahawks practice squad Thursday after being released earlier this week, will take Pitts' spot on the active roster for Sunday's game.

Pitts, a left guard, was attempting to work his way back after having microfracture surgery on his right knee early in the 2009 season while playing for Houston. On Wednesday, Carroll was hopeful that both Pitts and rookie first-round pick Russell Okung would potentially play this week against the Rams. Pitts was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

"He's been a diligent worker to get right and it just hasn't been enough time for him yet," Carroll said.

Adding to Carroll's problems on the line, starting right guard Sean Locklear did not participate in practice Thursday with an undisclosed knee injury. Locklear was limited in practice on Wednesday.

To make room for Gibson on the practice squad, Seattle released running back Chris Henry.