Alexander misses the start of minicamp

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander missed the start of a minicamp Friday, and coach Mike Holmgren doesn’t expect to see the team’s franchise player before the six-day camp ends.

“He told me he wasn’t coming in,” Holmgren said.

Alexander, coming off a franchise-record 1,696 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns last season, hasn’t signed the $6.3 million franchise tender.

Alexander missed the NFL rushing title by one yard last season. Holmgren said he’s making plans for Alexander to play when the season starts, but it’s still not certain if the six-year veteran will attend training camp.

“I expect Shaun to be with us,” Holmgren said. “We have a pretty good running back situation when he’s around. We have one now. I like Mo Morris, as I’ve said before. I like Kerry Carter, too. We have guys who can play.”