Percy Harvin returns to practice, may play against Saints on Saturday
Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) catches a pass while being defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook (20) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Percy Harvin was back in a game-week practice on Tuesday for the first time since Week 11. He participated fully and, according to Pete Carroll, may play against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday.
His status is not 100 percent clear yet, according to Tony Drovetto at Seahawks.com.
Drovetto said that Carroll wants to mix him in as a wide receiver, but isn’t sure if he will play yet.
"“We’ll have to wait and see,” Carroll said of Harvin’s status for Saturday’s game against the Saints. “I don’t know that yet.”"
Harvin joined tight end Luke Willson as full-time returners to practice. Willson hadn’t practiced since injuring his ankle in the regular season finale. He is expected to play on Saturday.
All Seahawks practiced on Tuesday except linebacker K.J. Wright who is still recovering from a broken foot. However, Carroll said he will be back on the practice field this week, via Terry Blount at ESPN.com:
"“He’s actually going to run on the field Thursday,” Carroll said of Wright. “His recovery really has been remarkable. It looks like there’s a chance he could play in the next game [the NFC championship] if we are fortunate enough to get there.”"
Wright will be missed in a defensive scheme that dominated the Saints when the teams met on Dec. 2. He was influential in successfully shutting down Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, who had just three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
As a whole, the defense limited the Saints to 188 total yards, something they will be looking to do again on Saturday.
The Seahawks have won their last two games against the Saints, and four of the last six contests. Three years ago today, the Seahawks beat the Saints in their NFC Wild Card game that included the Beast Quake heard ’round the nation.
The winner of Saturday’s game will play the winner of the Carolina Panthers-San Francisco 49ers game which will be played on Sunday.
If the Seahawks win, they will play the NFC Championship game at home.