"Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Greg Knapp stuck with the company line that Julius Jones remains his team's starting running back when healthy, but it's sounding as if Jones will split more carries this week as he returns from a bruised lung suffered three weeks ago.

Jones practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since being hospitalized in Phoenix after coughing up blood and suffering the internal injury on a first-quarter block against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 15.

With backup Justin Forsett running for a career-high 130 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-17 win at St. Louis, many are wondering why he hasn't earned a promotion after providing a spark to the team's struggling ground game.

"Justin has done a great job in the three games he's been getting the majority of playing time," Knapp said. "So he's earned the right to get a little more time. And it'll work well because Julius's endurance factor probably isn't back to speed just yet after being off three weeks."

As for who will be on the field for the opening snap?

"If Julius is healthy and ready to go as the week progresses, he'll be the starter," Knapp said.

So how healthy is Jones? Knapp said the veteran back took a couple hits in practice Wednesday without any problems, but conditioning will be the biggest issue."