Friesz Shows ‘Good Things’ To Erickson

Seattle Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson likes what he sees of quarterback John Friesz, who took over for Rick Mirer as the starter this week.

“He’s done some really good things,” Erickson said. “It’s not like he hasn’t been around. He knows what’s going on. He’s getting rid of the football. He’s seeing things really well. He’s practiced well.”

Of course, Erickson knows that practice doesn’t count in the records. Friesz’s first start of the season will be Sunday against Arizona in Sun Devil Stadium.

“We haven’t won any games in my life on Wednesday and Thursday,” Erickson said.

Friesz must be ready to face a struggling Buddy Ryan defense that loves to blitz and has had an extra week off to design more blitzes.

“He might have 11 in the box (between the tackles),” said Friesz, formerly of Coeur d’Alene High and the University of Idaho. “He’s had two weeks to prepare, so who knows? He’s going to get to the quarterback, and he’ll get you more than once. You’ve got to be aware of that, be prepared for that, don’t panic and when your time comes, you’ve got to be able to get him. That’s how it is against that defense.”

Linebacker Duane Bickett, strong safety Robert Blackmon and guard Donald Willis were the inactives submitted by Erickson to the NFL Friday.

Sanders defends deal

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders says the NFL has no reason to challenge the $35 million contract that makes him the league’s highest paid defensive player.

The league has contested the contract because it contains a record signing bonus, minimum base salaries and voidable years - mechanisms that have led the NFL to charge Dallas with circumventing the salary cap.

“They’re just making a big deal out of it because it’s myself and (Cowboys owner) Jerry Jones,” Sanders told the Dallas Morning News. “They should have made a big deal out of last year’s contract.”

Young expects quick return

Steve Young, insistent that he’s not just being Mr. Sunshine, indicated that he expects to begin practicing with the 49ers’ first-string offense next week. An extensive afternoon workout with his bruised shoulder cemented the quarterback’s new prognosis.

If Young is right, he could be back in the lineup as soon as next Sunday’s game against visiting Carolina.

“I don’t feel I’m talking out of line,” Young said. “To (team doctor Michael) Dillingham it’s a strength issue, and then it’s a pain issue. The strength one he can tell. The pain I can tell.”

Friday, Young threw 30 to 40 passes over a distance of 30 yards and said he never felt a twinge of pain. He was supposed to miss four games after his left shoulder suffered repeated blows in Indianapolis on Oct. 15.

One sign of Young’s progress is his status for Sunday’s home game against New Orleans. He will suit up as the inactive emergency quarterback, meaning he will take the field only if Elvis Grbac and Cary Conklin are injured.

“I saw him throw a couple of balls today. Most of them spiraled,” coach George Seifert said, smiling. “Could he (play Sunday)? Yeah, sure. Would he throw his arm out? Possibly. It’s not going to be an issue in the game.”

Dolphin has surgery

Miami Dolphins tackle Ron Heller underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees Friday, which means ailing quarterback Dan Marino must rely on a rookie for protection Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Billy Milner, the Dolphins’ first-round draft choice, will make his first NFL start in place of Heller.

Jackson activated

Tight end Keith Jackson, who reported to Green Bay this week, was activated. Jeff Wilner was waived.

Esiason cleared

Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, who missed the last two games with a concussion, was cleared to suit up for Sunday’s game at the Colts. He will be the third-string.