It has been an uphill climb for Percy Harvin this season, but things are starting to look much better. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver narrowly avoided landing on injured reserve for the second time this season and after a successful week of practice, is expected to play against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Division Round of the playoffs.
Harvin told reporters on Thursday that after a strong week of practice, he feels great and is excited to step out on the field once again. The wide receiver was the team's biggest acquisition in the offseason after they traded multiple draft picks to get him from the Minnesota Vikings. However, Harvin then immediately underwent hip surgery to repair a torn labrum. He returned for one game this season, recording one catch and one kickoff return. Back once again, Harvin is ready to play.
"I'm feeling great," Harvin said, via ESPN.com. "I didn't have any setbacks. These practices have been very good. I'm really confident about this game." "I know it has been frustrating for a lot of people. My hat's off to this organization for staying patient with me. I'm ready to make it all pay off. This is a fantastic group led by No. 3 [quarterback Russell Wilson]. I'm just looking to fit in any way I can. The foundation is set. I'm just looking to jump on the bus and enjoy the ride."
Harvin admits that suffering another setback has crossed his mind. The wide receiver has suffered a wide variety of injuries in the past. Migraine headaches and hip issues have plagued his career over the past few years. He is working without any issues right now and is trying to remain focused on that.
"It goes through my mind," Harvin said. "But I'm just gonna cut it loose. I made all the cuts in practice that I possibly could do in the game. I felt no limitations, and no swelling came back. I'm gonna go out there and give it all I have."
The Seahawks are not planning on placing any restrictions on Harvin come game time. The wide receiver is expected to start and will also return kickoffs for the team. The Seahawks certainly did just fine without Harvin for the entire year, but getting the receiver back adds an extra element to the offense. Head coach Pete Carroll is thrilled to have Harvin back on the field and has big plans for him.
"It's been a long, long haul for a guy that's such a great competitor. We've been so close so many times to taking this step. We just waited it out as long as we could," Carroll said. "The couple weeks we gained [with the first-round bye last week] made a difference. Percy stuck to it and never backed off the process of the rehab. We're anxious to add him to the mix."