Seahawks vs Packers: Russell Wilson to Start for Seattle in Key NFC Game Against Green Bay

(Photo : Abbie Parr/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after the touchdown scored by DK Metcalf (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lumen Field on October 31, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.

Good news for Seahawks fans. Starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, will make his much-anticipated return to Seattle's lineup in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers. Wilson's quick return is a complete surprise considering he just had surgery to repair the injured middle finger in his throwing hand a month ago.

Carroll hails Wilson's remarkable recovery

Seattle coach Pete Carroll paid tribute to his star player on Monday, saying, "This is a remarkable story of recovery and really of a guy intent that he was going to do this and pull it off." Carroll added that Wilson was way ahead of schedule and threw the ball all over the place.

Carroll said the Seahawks knew Wilson would go for it, but they did not know if his body could respond. Much to their surprise and delight, Wilson looked great during Monday's practice, and he did well in a limited amount of plays.

It’s Time. pic.twitter.com/DVdHxn9hos
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) November 8, 2021

Dr. Steve Shin, who operated on Wilson's right middle finger on October 8, gave the Seahawks quarterback the clearance for a return. Wilson's surgery was anything but easy, with Shin repairing a fracture-dislocation and a tendon rupture (mallet finger) that the Seattle star suffered in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Wilson hit his throwing hand against Rams star defender Aaron Donald on a follow-through during the third quarter of that contest. Shin already removed the pin that he inserted into Wilson's finger during the surgery on Monday.

Shin released a statement about Wilson, saying, "I am absolutely amazed at his progress, so much so that I can now confidently clear him for full return to play without reservation." Wilson's return to the football field is timely, with the Seahawks locked in a tight battle for one of the three wild card spots in the NFC.

Wilson's return a major boost for Seattle's playoff push

Seattle lost two of the three games Geno Smith started in Wilson's absence. It was unfamiliar territory for the Seahawks as Wilson had started 149 consecutive games to begin his career before suffering the finger injury. The Seahawks currently stand at 3-5, 4.5 games behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West standings.

A division title might be improbable at this stage, but the Seahawks still have a great chance of making the playoffs via the wild card. They are just one game back of the Atlanta Falcons, who hold the seventh spot in the NFC standings with a 4-4 record.

The Seahawks need Wilson badly with a crunch showdown against Green Bay happening at Lambeau Field this weekend. Wilson has struggled in this venue, though, in his career, losing all four of his games at the Packers' home ground.