The Seahawks designated cornerback Quinton Dunbar (injured reserve) and running back Rashaad Penny (physically unable to perform) to return to practice this week.
Dunbar has missed the past four games with a knee injury. Penny, Seattle's 2018 first-round pick, is working his way back from the ACL tear he suffered last December.
Coach Pete Carroll said Dunbar would practice Wednesday but didn't offer any assurance he'll play Sunday against the New York Jets, saying the Seahawks don't have to rush him back with how well D.J. Reed has played of late.
The Seahawks listed 23 players on their injury report Wednesday. Running backs Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (toe) were limited. Carroll said Carson was feeling better Monday and that he was hoping he could handle a "full load" this week after carrying eight and 13 times in his first two games back.
With players coming off extended absences like Penny, the Seahawks usually like to see them practice for at least two weeks before allowing them to play in a game.
"We're really excited to get him back and get him back on the field with us," Carroll said of Penny. "It's just been a long haul. It's very meaningful for him to get back out there, first of all. You really want to see him bang his break and really get down and hit it and give really good tempo in practice."
Right tackle Brandon Shell, out the past two games with a high ankle sprain, was listed as a limited participant in his first practice since the injury Wednesday.
Carroll said Shell would be plenty motivated to make it back this week so he could play against his former team. Shell spent his first four seasons with the Jets before signing with Seattle in March and was having a strong debut season with the Seahawks before his injury.
"We'll ease him back in," Carroll said. "He's real anxious to get back. It seems like he's ready to go."
Carroll said it won't be until the end of the week that the team knows what chances safety Ryan Neal (hip pointer) or tackle Jamarco Jones (groin) have of playing Sunday. Neither practiced Wednesday.