Paul Richardson set to play Sunday

The offense for the Seattle Seahawks will have another weapon for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Wide receiver Paul Richardson is set to play, and should make an instant impact for Seattle.

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Richardson missed the entire first half of the season on the PUP list. He returned to practice before the Dallas game, and will be activated to the roster in time to play this week.

To make room, Ricardo Lockette will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. He suffered a neck injury against Dallas, and had to have surgery to stabilize his neck.

In Richardson, the Seahawks get a second deep threat. Currently the only player on the roster with the speed to get behind the Tyler Lockett.

Using Lockett to stretch the defense vertically doesn’t allow him to use his agility and quickness to  the fullest. Richardson can now take over the role of stretching the defense, allowing Lockett to work underneath and take advantage of the talents that make him such a good kick and punt returner.

The obvious loser in the battle for playing time is Jermaine Kearse. Richardson had bumped Kearse down on the depth chart before his injury last season. Once Richardson is fully healthy and up to speed, he is going to slide back into his spot above Kearse on the depth chart.

Cornerback Jeremy Lane, who was also on the PUP list, returned to practice this week as well. Lane had a torn ACL and broken arm. Both injuries were suffered on the same play in the Super Bowl. Lane isn’t expected to be activated to the active roster for another two weeks.