Seattle LB Leroy Hill back from suspension, ready to do whatever needed for Seahawks

Seahawks’ Leroy Hill back from suspension

RENTON, Wash. — Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill finally has a game to look forward to.

After a rough few months filled with off-field drama, Hill returned from his one-game suspension and rejoined the Seahawks on Wednesday. He’ll play on Sunday in Denver, although no one is quite sure how Hill will be used against the Broncos.

“I feel like I’m 18,” Hill said. “I’m ready to roll.”

Hill missed the season opener as punishment from the NFL for his arrest on a marijuana-possession charge in Georgia. He began 12 months of probation for that in April.

Hill could have faced an additional suspension after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge in the Seattle suburb of Issaquah in April. Hill, who turned 28 on Tuesday, entered into a stipulated order of continuance at a hearing on his misdemeanor charge of fourth degree assault/domestic violence on Aug. 19.

Prosecutors said Hill is essentially on probation for 18 months and must complete a one-year state-certified domestic violence treatment program — 26 weeks of weekly therapy and counseling, then monthly sessions for six months — plus 25 hours of community service.

Hill’s also recovering from a sprained knee. Additionally, Hill restructured the six-year deal he signed with Seattle before the 2009 season. Instead of making the $6 million in base pay he was originally scheduled to make this season, Hill is taking a nearly $4 million pay cut. He’ll also be a free agent at the end of this season.

Even though he couldn’t be with the team, Hill went to Qwest Field to watch the opener.

“I had a long offseason. To get from where I was at the beginning of the offseason to were I am now it’s just a smile on my face,” Hill said. “I don’t know my role this week yet, but at the same time whatever they need me to do I’ll do it.”

How much he plays against the Broncos is yet to be determined, although coach Pete Carroll said it’s likely Hill will be asked to contribute on special teams. Hill laughed, saying he’s played five games in his career on special teams.

“We’re bringing him back to play. We’re not bringing him back to sit. We’re bringing him back to play and get involved,” Carroll said. “So we’ll see what that information tells us. But I’m hoping he’s going to be in there playing and he’ll get in the rotations.”