Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando from Seattle
I'm not on the clock until Monday afternoon, but with Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren issuing a significant injury update tonight, I wanted to pass along news that Shaun Alexander and Deion Branch will not play against the 49ers on Monday Night Football. That was the word from Holmgren during his weekly TV show tonight. Alexander and Branch worked some late in the week, but neither will play unless something dramatic happens before kickoff.
Alexander's absence makes it easier for Holmgren to move forward with plans to become more of a pass-first team. Maurice Morris is far better than Alexander as a receiver out of the backfield, and he has occasionally made big plays while lined up on the perimeter. I'll also be interested to see if Seattle suddenly has more success on the ground. Morris has run the ball effectively in spots.
Branch's absence hurts, but with D.J. Hackett back from injury and Bobby Engram coming off a 14-catch game, the Seahawks have options.
