Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is making strides in his return from ankle and knee injuries, team sources said, and while not 100 percent, he continues to look more mobile and agile. The team is hopeful it can implement more aspects of its deceptive read-option run game in coming weeks, which could boost a sagging offense.
Wilson was able to execute some bootlegs Monday night and ran for a touchdown. He is looking better in space and closer to his normal self. His presence on the edge is a vital to opening up the run game, which has struggled, and provides a boost to a struggling offensive line.
The team believes a big part of its difficulty moving the ball is tied to the inability to create confusion with Wilson on pitch and option plays, and if it can exploit those elements down the stretch, production should spike. Issues protecting Wilson are significant, and avoiding further injury obviously is paramount for the Seahawks. Trying to keep Wilson healthy will lessen how much option Seattle runs -- but there are definitely encouraging signs.
"What you saw Monday night is real," one source close to Wilson said. "He is healing and strengthening the knee and the ankle and the pec [pectoral]. It's trending in the right direction."
