THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday because of back spasms.

Wide receiver Deion Branch was limited, but practised for the first time since the former Super Bowl MVP injured his hamstring in practice Sept. 7.

Nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones also practised some, but centre Chris Spencer sat out again with a quadriceps injury. Coach Jim Mora isn't sure if Jones or Spencer will make their season debuts at San Francisco on Sunday.

Lofa Tatupu was out again with a hamstring injury, though Mora expects the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker to start against the 49ers.

Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane rested a left calf injury he sustained in Wednesday's practice.

Linebacker Leroy Hill is already out at least six weeks with a partially torn groin.