Coach Mike Holmgren said after practice that Hasselbeck still is bothered by the back problem he's had for most of this season. The Seahawks (2-10) do not expect him to play against the Patriots (7-5). The three-time Pro Bowl passer has missed five games this season with a bulging disk in his back and nerve problems down his leg.

When asked if Hasselbeck's back pain is as bad as before, Holmgren said: "Not as severe. But it's some of the same symptoms, yes."

Backup Seneca Wallace took the first-team snaps for the 33-year-old Hasselbeck on Friday. Wallace is likely to make his fifth start of the season against the Patriots.

Jones, 34, has missed practice all week to rest a bad knee. The eight-time Pro Bowler has started all 12 games despite pain.

Seattle's starting offensive line on Sunday is likely to be Ray Willis and Sean Locklear at tackles, Floyd Womack and Mansfield Wrotto at guards and converted guard Steve Vallos at center.

Locklear is the only first stringer. Wrotto has never started. Vallos will be making his second career start, because center Chris Spencer went on injured reserve this week. Vallos' first start came last week when Hasselbeck was sacked a season-high seven times in a 34-9 loss at Dallas, Seattle's fifth consecutive defeat.

Yet Holmgren emphasized Hasselbeck's absence is for medical, not preservation, reasons.

Starting outside linebacker LeRoy Hill is also doubtful. He has a neck injury. Veteran D.D. Lewis is likely to make his second start of the season for Hill.

Wahle, signed before this season in Seattle's ongoing search to replace departed star Steve Hutchinson at left guard, is out for the final four games. He had missed the last two weeks after reinjuring the same right shoulder on which he had surgery in 2006.

He is the 12th Seattle player go on IR this season, the sixth opening-game starter and fourth offensive lineman. Besides Spencer, right guard Rob Sims played only one game before he went on IR.

The Seahawks signed former Colts and Texans lineman Steve McKinney to take Wahle's roster spot. He has started at both center and guard in his 143-game career.

Seattle also signed defensive tackle Kevin Brown to the practice squad.