Defensive backs coach Tim Lewis said that new addition to the secondary Lawyer Milloy will be a backup in the secondary for both Jordan Babineaux and Deon Grant, and that Babineaux will get the start in place of the recently released Brian Russell.

Lewis said he liked what he saw from Milloy during the 35-year-old veterans first day of practice.

Milloy moved well and seemed to pick up the team’s defensive schemes quickly. He saw some time with the scout team, and played some with the first unit in nickel and dime situations. And he also worked with the kickoff unit during special teams period.

“I thought he did a great job,” Lewis said. “He’s very smart. He’s experienced. He’s easy to get him acclimated to our defensive system. We have that Gus Bradley system, and it’s one that requires the safety to be smart, instinctive and a good feel player.”

Milloy said he worked out for Detroit last week and said the Lions made an offer, but once Seattle got into the picture it was a no brainer.

“It’s always a dream, to play for the home team, to play for the team that you’ve been rooting for since you first picked up a football,” he said. “That was always the dream, but it just never had happened like that…This year, I got the opportunity and I’m cherishing it.”

Milloy said he’s been working out and is in pretty good shape, but not football shape. As far as whether or not he’ll be a starter, Lawyer had this to say.

“First of all, when you come to a team in this fashion, you got to respect what the team’s been building,” he said. “You’ve got to respect the players and what they’ve been working for all this time, and that’s what I’m doing now.

“I’m trying to get in, and fit in, and get friendships, and learn the playbook. Everything else will take care of itself. If it’s my job to be a backup, that’s what I have to do. I’ll accept that role.

“As a backup, you’re always pushing to be the starter. It was like that in my rookie year, and it’s going to be like that now. I think the successful people in the NFL were all backups, and when they had their opportunity to get on that field, they made the most of it. That’s why they became starters. It’s almost like it’s come full circle, but I’ve been in this situation before. It was a lot of years ago, but I think I know how to handle it.”

That doesn’t exactly sound like Milloy is giving up on starting in the future, and he shouldn’t. If he pushes to be the starter, then Babineaux will get better and the team benefits.

Babineaux said he’s sad to see fellow teammate Brian Russell go, but also looks forward to the new opportunity.

“I feel great,” Babineaux said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge. It’s a lot on my plate, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

Someone else receiving a new challenge is wide receiver Deion Branch, who worked as a kickoff returner during special teams period. Branch also appeared to suffer an unspecified injury at the end of practice but said he was OK.

Others who did not practice include C.J. Wallace (ribs), Derek Walker (unspecified), Kyle Williams (unspecified), Travis Fisher (hamstring) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (soreness).

Update: I apologize. I left out that Walter Jones (knee), Marcus Trufant (back) and Chris Spencer (quad) of course did not practice today. We did see Walter Jones after practice and he’s moving around OK. We’ll get an update on Jones on Wednesday. Head coach Jim Mora did not talk to reporters after Monday’s practice.

Nate Burleson finished practice with a nice catch on a fade ball, making the grab between Kelly Jennings and Babineaux.

Milloy will wear No. 36 Jamar Adams is now wearing No. 25, Russell’s old number. Michael Bennett switched from No. 96 to No. 91. Cameron Morrah switch from No. 43 to No. 88. And tight end John Owens switched from No. 46 to No. 86.

The Seahawks also signed linebacker Thomas Williams as the eighth practice squad player. Williams appeared in six games for Jacksonville last year, and was the team’s fifth round draft pick.