Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch underwent a basic arthroscopic surgery on his knee. He is expected to be one of a number of players who is not participating in the minicamp.

Seahawks WR Nate Burleson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and has been ruled out for the week. Burleson hinted that he might not return this year. T.j. Houshmandzadeh will likely see more balls with Deion Branch and Deon Butler moving up the depth chart.

Seahwaks WR Nate Burleson is out for this week's game with a high ankle sprain. He will be replaced at split end by Deion Branch. Rookie Deon Butler becomes the No. 3 receiver.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring probable) practiced fully all week and is on track to start. However,
his fantasy production will be limited by the nagging injury and the absence of a healthy Matt Hasselbeck under center.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) was a full participant Thursday. He has said he is ready to play Sunday.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) practiced Wednesday. Jim Mora says he should be available Sunday.

Seahawks HC Mora on WR Deion Branch -- "If all goes well this week, he should be available to play Sunday," Mora said. "I know he's anxious to play."

Seahawks WR T.j. Houshmandzadeh returned to practice and is probable for Sunday's game, which means it's a virtual certainty he will play. Deion Branch, however, is questionable as he returns from a leg injury suffered the week before Seattle's season opener.

Branch has a hamstring injury, Mora said, which can be very tricky especially for a player that depends on speed and explosion like Branch does.

"I would hate for Deion to go out there because he is so anxious to play and prove his worth and make plays to help this team win that he restrains that thing," Mora said, "and he misses three or four more games."

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) is questionable but could go if the Seahawks elect to push him. In any case, he’s not someone to count on in this spot.

Seahawks Thursday practice report:
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane did not practice Thursday because of a calf injury. He appeared to injure it at some point in Wednesday's practice.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch returned to practice Thursday, working out for the first time since injuring his leg on the Monday before Seattle's season-opener at San Francisco.

Tackle Walter Jones also participated in some team drills, but was limited.
Center Chris Spencer was on the field, but did not take part in team drills.
For the 49ers, defensive end Justin Smith returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday because of an elbow injury.