Patriots notebook

Bill Belichick impressed by Seahawks’ sizable secondary

By Michael Vega

Globe Staff / October 10, 2012

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Welker (ankle) was one of 13 Patriots who were limited, including Brady (right shoulder), Hernandez (ankle), and Gronkowski (hip).

Hernandez hasn’t played since Sept. 16, but returned to practice last week and could play in Sunday’s game at Seattle.

The other Patriots who were limited: running backs Brandon Bolden (knee) and Shane Vereen (foot), defensive linemen Brandon Deaderick (ankle) and Justin Francis (ankle), offensive linemen Nick McDonald (shoulder), Sebastian Vollmer (back/knee), and Logan Mankins (calf/hip), linebacker Dont’a Hightower (hamstring), and cornerback Sterling Moore (knee).

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle’s star running back, was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a back injury.

Take it away

While they seem well-practiced in the art of the strip, causing 11 fumbles this season, the Seahawks have only four recoveries, and a minus-1 turnover differential. That pales in comparison to New England’s plus-10, which is tied for best in the league. “They’re a turnover-driven team,” said Belichick. “They take the ball away, they just don’t wait for you to drop it. They go in there and aggressively take it away. They’ve caused a lot of fumbles this year, 10, 11 whatever it is. They’re very disruptive.’’ . . . Hoping to simulate the decibel level of CenturyLink Field in Seattle — one of the loudest venues in the NFL — the Patriots sampled some music from the Seattle scene during Wednesday’s practice, blaring tunes from Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix in addition to Green Day and the Charlie Daniels Band (just for a change of pace).

Michael Whitmer of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Michael Vega can be reached at vega@globe.com.