The Seattle Seahawks are feeling good about the return of Percy Harvin and while the wideout is eligible to come back in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, that is looking unlikely, but the coaching staff said that he is getting closer to making his return to the field.
According to ESPN.com, head coach Pete Carroll said that Harvin is getting closer to a return and the report says that he could start practicing with the team next week. Carroll also said that Chris Clemons could be back soon and that would be a big boost for the Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks were looked at as a Super Bowl contender even before trading for explosive wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings, but after undergoing hip surgery, the team's newest acquisition might be sidelined for a while and that means other wideouts must step up for quarterback Russell Wilson.
The team brought in wide receiver Early Doucet prior to their first preseason game, but according to ESPN.com, the team decided to release him after just one practice due to an injury issue. Doucet was previously released by the Arizona Cardinals in March and the receiver has dealt with injury problems during his entire career and that appears to be why he was released. The report says that Doucet signed last week and participated in practice on Sunday and although he said he felt good after sitting out the next two days, the team decided to release him.
The official transaction through the league said that Doucet was released due to "failing to disclose a physical condition" and the report says that Pete Carroll didn't address the situation after practice. Either way, Doucet in the fold or not, Harvin's absence opens up opportunities for other wideouts like Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin as well as younger players Jermaine Kearse, Stephen Williams, Chris Harper and Phil Bates. The team is high on all the players and they are hopeful that Sidney Rice's injury isn't serious either.
The Seahawks are coming into the season as Super Bowl contenders along with NFC West rival the San Francisco 49ers and along with Harvin the team has injuries to recover from, including Chris Clemons and James Carpenter. The team signed Bruce Avril in the offseason to help bolster the defensive line and the team is hopeful that Clemons can make a full recovery after having ACL surgery. Carpenter was expected to contribute heavily and now Carroll will have to adjust and the team is also dealing with Michael Bennett's minor injury heading into the preseason.
The Seahawks had a consistent pass rush last season with Clemons leading the way and he finished with 11.5 on the year, the best on the team. Cliff Avril had 9.5 sacks last season with the Lions, while Bennett had 9.0 sacks with the Buccaneers. The team also has high hopes for Bruce Irvin after he had eight sacks last season.
Rice led the team in receptions last year with 50 catches and 748 yards for seven touchdowns, while Tate was second with 45 receptions for 688 yards and seven scores as well. Wilson will have the benefit of a full training camp and preseason as the starter and as he heads into year two the team has high expectations for an offense that scored over 60 points last season. Marshawn Lynch is one of the best backs in the league and he should have another strong year after rushing for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
