Biggs: Bates gives no clues toward future of LT Jones

Jones has missed the Seahawks’ last 20 games. He had microfracture knee surgery and could not return last season. There has been speculation the new coaching staff will cut him loose, but Pete Carroll and Co. are surely smart enough to know it’s a situation that must be handled delicately given Jones’ standing with the organization. Adding intrigue to the matter, Jones’ Twitter account announced he is done playing over the weekend, but there’s been speculation that might not be his tweet.

“In my short career in the NFL, he's the best left tackle I've ever seen play the game," Bates said. "The guy is so smooth and patient. To have him play left is something special because you don't even have to think about who that stud defensive end is. You just say, 'Walter has got him.' ...
"He's just so special, and it's one of a kind. But left tackle is extremely important. We're not, though, going to get involved with talking about what route we're going. All I know is he has been a special Seahawk for a long time."
So, will his tenure as a “special Seahawk” continue into the future in 2010?
"We need someone that we feel great about and protect Matt [Hasselbeck]," Bates said. "It's the blind side. I think left tackle is an important position just like a lot of other ones."

Doesn’t exactly strike us as being a vote of confidence for the perennial Pro Bowl player. But Bates handled it with class.