Sherman not using brace on hurt elbow

A wide-brimmed hat was the only extra piece of attire for Richard Sherman.

No brace, not even a sleeve covering the left elbow he injured in last January’s NFC Championship game.

“I’m out there naked. No, I’m not wearing anything,” Sherman said on Tuesday after the Seattle Seahawks wrapped up their organized team activity in Renton. “I’m just (playing) ball. I try not to put it in too many stressful situations, but I pretty much control my game out there and stay out of bad spots.”

Sherman initially believed he would need surgery on the elbow that was injured in the fourth quarter of the NFC title game against Green Bay, but after speaking with other players and consulting with doctors he decided against the surgery for now — mainly because of the recovery time.

Sherman said he’s been rehabbing most of the four months since the Seahawks’ Super Bowl loss to New England, but he has been able to participate in the OTAs. Surgery could have sidelined him for up to nine months, Sherman said.

Sherman also had a response for recent comments from New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who criticized Sherman for only playing one side of the field.

Sherman called Cromartie’s comments “unfortunate,” then pointed out that Cromartie only made the Pro Bowl last year because the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl and Sherman had to withdraw.

“I think it’s one of the things that’s just the ignorance of the public,” Sherman said. “How many great left tackles do you see switching to the right side because there’s a great d-end (switching) to the right side? You don’t see it. Great players stay on their side and do what they’re supposed to do. How many guys have you seen switching from side to side on a No. 1 defense? We’re the No. 1 defense for a reason.”

• The Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms with veteran backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Details were not released by the team. Jackson, who was a free agent after last season, will spend his fourth season with the Seahawks.