If you believe Pete Carroll, Quandre Diggs is not coming to replace struggling Tedric Thompson.

“No, it’s the guys that are banged up and not knowing when they’ll get back,” Carroll told reporters, referring to Bradley McDougald (back spasms) and Lano Hill (elbow).

But Diggs might indeed start alongside rookie Marquise Blair on Sunday at Atlanta. Carroll mentioned free safety as Diggs’ initial spot, but also said he could play strong safety or nickel.

Carroll said Diggs is “an explosive player … a real hitter and playmaker. I’ve watched him for years. He’s the kind of guy who throws his body around as well as you can do it.”

Carroll said the Seahawks were surprised Diggs, a captain and starter for Detroit, was available. “I didn’t think that could be possible,” the coach said of the deal that cost the Hawks just a fifth-round pick (and returned a seventh).

Diggs, who is in the first year of a three-year contract extension, said he was “blindsided” by the trade.

But he knows a few guys in Seattle. He and Tyler Lockett became friends through their relatives, Lockett’s uncle Aaron and Diggs’ brother Quentin Jammer. He also was teammates in Detroit with Ziggy Ansah and (last year) Luke Willson.

Other personnel notes

Ansah “ran really well this morning” and has a chance to play in Atlanta, Carroll said. The pass rusher has missed three of the first seven games.

Duane Brown (biceps) was expected to practice today.

Ed Dickson, who’s on IR with a knee injury, will begin practicing next week. He is eligible to come off IR on Monday.

Carroll on right guard: “It’s a great situation for us. Thrilled with the way Jamarco (Jones) has played the last three games.” D.J. Fluker is back from a hamstring injury, making that a competitive spot.

To make room for Diggs, the Seahawks waived Jordan Roos — meaning they now have 11 defensive backs (though a couple are injured).

Seattle also re-signed LB Malik Carney to the practice squad and released rookie DT Bryan Mone, who began the season on the active roster. The Hawks also added WR Penny Hart to the P-squad.

Will disgruntled Michael Bennett be traded by the Patriots by the Oct. 29 deadline? “It’s up to them,” he said, sounding like he would be fine with that move after he was suspended last week. Should/would the Seahawks consider bringing him back?