AP

In this Oct. 26, 2008 file photo, Washington Redskins running back Shaun Alexander (37) rushes against the Detroit Lions.

ASHBURN, Va.-- Shaun Alexander may not even suit up for his return to Seattle.

Washington coach Jim Zorn said Thursday that the Redskins' third-string running back may not be on the active list for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Teams must declare eight men off the 53-man roster as inactive about 90 minutes before each kickoff.

The Redskins' fourth-string running back is Rock Cartwright. He has to play because he's Washington's kickoff returner.

Zorn said he does not want to make the former NFL MVP for the 2005 season inactive for his first game in Seattle since the Seahawks released him last spring. But Zorn added it was a possibility and that having four running backs active would be a luxury.

Alexander said Wednesday he accepts his current role as a seldom-used backup.