The Seahawks returned to the practice field Wednesday as they prepare for a Week 9 game against the Rams, and while wide receiver DK Metcalf was not expected to participate, the hope is that he will still be back for the game from Sunday.

“The lad is doing a great job, confident, still not training today, optimistic about tomorrow so we’ll take it day by day,” Macdonald said.

Asked if he was still optimistic that Metcalf, who missed last weekend’s game with a knee injury, would be able to play against the Rams, Macdonald said: “I am, yes. I am”.

Macdonald also gave a positive outlook on defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, who injured his shoulder in Sunday’s game, leaving the game briefly before returning.

“He’s got a shoulder,” Macdonald said. “We’ll be looking after him throughout the week to make sure he’s ready to go on Sunday, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go.”

Tackle George Fant, who returned to practice last week from injured reserve, will increase his workload this week with an eye toward returning Sunday.

“George should start practicing to kind of, hey, maybe get him ready to go,” Macdonald said.

As for forward Abraham Lucas, who continues to work his way back from offseason knee surgery, Macdonald reiterated that a decision on his return won’t come until after the bye.

“We have a good plan and we’ll see,” he said. It’s hard to say now where he will land after the bye.”

With Tre Brown and Riq Woolen both out with injuries two weeks ago, Nehemiah Pritchett and Josh Jobe both took over starting roles, then last week Jobe stayed in the lineup with Woolen back and Pritchett out with a ankle injury. Brown, who was doubtful for the game, was active but did not play, and now that he is working his way back to full health, Macdonald said there will be competition between Brown, Jobe and Pritchett to be one of Seattle’s top three cornerbacks. along with Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, who starts at outside corner in base defense, but plays nickel when Brown/Jobe/Pritchett comes in as the third corner.

“It’s going to come down to how we practice and how they show up now until Friday,” Macdonald said. “We’ll probably make a decision on how we’re going to set the representatives by Friday. Whether we’re going to make it public or not, we’re going to give it a shot… Any of those three guys, we’re really confident in what they’re capable of doing for us.”

Another competitive spot on the roster, right guard, appears to be set, at least for now. While Anthony Bradford has been the starter all season, rookie Christian Haynes has rotated in that spot for most of the season, but Macdonald indicated the rotation won’t happen Sunday.

“This week AB will start and we will continue with AB,” Macdonald said.