Percy Harvin cannot catch a break when it comes to injuries. After missing almost the entire 2013 season due to a hip injury, a concussion could keep him out of the playoffs. The wide receiver made his return to the field against the New Orleans Saints, but after two hard hits, he was removed and diagnosed with a concussion that could sideline him for the NFC championship game against San Francisco 49ers.
Harvin has yet to practice this week leading up to the game and has yet to even be medically cleared to return to the field. The outlook is grim for Harvin. Following NFL rules, he must be cleared by team doctors and an outside doctor before he can even begin practicing.
Head coach Pete Carroll told media on Thursday that he is really unsure what Harvin's status for the game would be. The Seattle Seahawks are taking extra precaution with the wide receiver considering his injury history this year. Harvin came to Seattle by way of Minnesota and after signing his contract, he promptly had hip surgery that landed him on injured reserve. The dynamic playmaker has appeared in just two games this season and could be shut down after the concussion.
"He has worked really hard to get back but has not been able to make it over the hump. He's going to need the offseason to really get back to full strength. We wil have an extraordinary football player ready to go next year. We will take a look this week and see where we are and then know more," Carroll said, via ESPN.com.
Quarterback Russell Wilson is prepared to play without Harvin once again on Sunday. The Seahawks certainly faired well without him during the regular season and can once again during the championship game. Receiver Golden Tate is prepared to step up in the absence of Harvin, even though he wishes his teammate was going to be on the field.
"He makes an impact just by being on the roster," Tate said, via Seattle.com. "We all know he's a dangerous player - he's explosive, he's fast and he's quick. With him on the field, that's definitely something they have to scout for. Without him, we'd miss him obviously, but I think we're fine without him. Obviously we'd love to have him on the field, he gives us a better chance to win, but the show must go on."
Harvin could easily still play on Sunday even with limited practice time. Carroll remained confident that the receiver might catch a break and get cleared on Friday.
