Yahoo Sports Russell Wilson 'really close' to 100% as Seahawks-Packers showdown looms
Russell Wilson technically remained on injured reserve on Thursday.
But the Seattle Seahawks quarterback spoke with media in a spot generally reserved for the week's starting quarterback. All indications point to him being ready for Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
“I feel great," Wilson told reporters. "I feel really close. I’m not 100% yet. I’m pretty dang close. I would say I’m in the 90th percentile, if not higher."
A "90th percentile" Wilson is an upgrade over a 100% Geno Smith — even as Smith's performed competently (68.4% completion rate with five touchdowns and one interception) in Wilson's absence since Wilson suffered a finger injury in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Wilson sustained two fractures, a dislocation and tendon damage to the middle finger on his throwing hand that was expected to sidelined him 6-8 weeks. Team doctors gave him the green light to play earlier this week, and he's been practicing with the starters in preparation to face the Packers. Sunday will put Wilson at the five-week mark since his injury, officially ahead of schedule.
"This is a remarkable story of recovery,” head coach Pete Carroll said after Wilson practiced on Wednesday. ... "We will go one day at a time and see how it goes.
"I know that he is thrilled to be back, and everybody is excited to see him back out here, so it’s an amazing accomplishment to be back throwing like he just did on the practice field."
The 3-5 Seahawks have little margin for error if they intend to rally for a playoff spot. Wilson's early return is a stroke of good fortune right as they need it.
The bigger quarterback question for Sunday's game is on the Green Bay sideline. Aaron Rodgers will hit the 10-day isolation mark required of unvaccinated NFL players who test positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. He'll be eligible to play if he's physically ready.
Rodgers acknowledged on Tuesday that there's a "small possibility" that he won't be ready to play. But there's been no news since to indicate that he won't suit up. All signs point to Rodgers and Wilson both playing in Sunday's key NFC matchup.
