Seahawks TE Willson returns to practice after two-game absence
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson (82) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks won 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
While the progress of running back Marshawn Lynch continues to be the No. 1 topic for the Seattle Seahawks, another key player returned to practice Wednesday.
Starting tight end Luke Willson, who missed the past two games due to a concussion, practiced fully and is on track to return for Sunday's game at the top-seeded Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional Round.
Willson, who also practiced last week before suffering a setback, pronounced himself "ready to roll." He could be a vital addition for Seattle, which got eight receptions for 140 yards from tight end Jimmy Graham in a 27-23 loss to Carolina in Week 6.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I don't know if we're going into the game specifically thinking this worked last time," Wilson told reporters Wednesday. "The thought is we've got to come out and battle and fine a way to get it done."
Wilson has only five receptions since Graham was lost for the season, but he had a major impact in the Seahawks' 31-17 victory over the Panthers in the postseason a year ago. He had four catches for 68 yards and a 25-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to help Seattle pull away.
Backups Cooper Helfet and Chase Coffman combined for eight catches and a touchdown in the regular-season finale, but neither had a reception in last weekend's 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.