RENTON — Wide receiver Percy Harvin will play for the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints after missing most of the season following hip surgery.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Harvin would play following Thursday’s practice. Carroll said there would be no limitations on how the Seahawks use Harvin, including on kickoff returns.
“I’m just glad to be out there helping my team win right now. The playoffs, that’s what we all dream about, to have home-field advantage, to have all the things the team has put in place. It would be hard for me to try to not be out there,” Harvin said. “Everything worked out for the best and I’m looking forward to being out there and helping this team win.”
Harvin missed the first 21/2 months of the season following hip surgery in early August. He returned in Week 11 against Minnesota and caught one pass and had a 58-yard kickoff return. Harvin was then sidelined again by what Carroll called “soreness” following his debut.
But Harvin’s problems went beyond just soreness. He had fluid buildup and swelling in his hip following that game against the Vikings. He said even during the game, a 41-20 Seattle victory, it felt like something was off in his hip.
“I kind of knew during the game. Something quite didn’t feel right,” Harvin said. “But it was expected. It was expected but we didn’t know to that extreme. It came and that was a setback that we had. We had two, three of them but they are in the past.”
The turning point for Harvin came on Dec. 30 when Carroll essentially gave an ultimatum, saying the team was considering opening up the roster spot by placing Harvin on injured reserve. Harvin was impressive enough during a 15-minute workout with quarterback Russell Wilson that Carroll delayed making a roster decision.
Harvin took part in practice both days last week while Seattle was on its bye and was a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“I’m just looking to fit in anywhere I can. This offense has done its share and wouldn’t be in this position that it is right now,” Harvin said. “This team is already set. The foundation is set. I’m just looking to jump on the bus and enjoy the ride.”
