Seahawks' Russell Wilson Says He's 'Pretty Dang Close' to 100% After Finger Injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is set to make his return this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after missing the last three games while recovering from surgery on his right middle finger.

Wilson, who participated in practice this week for the first time since the injury, said he's happy with the progress of his recovery.

"I feel great. I feel really close. I'm not 100 percent yet, but I'm pretty dang close," Wilson said Thursday. "I don't need to wear a glove. The hand feels strong."

Wilson suffered the finger injury in Seattle's Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first time in his 10-year career that he was forced to miss games, snapping a streak of 149 consecutive regular-season starts.

Backup quarterback Geno Smith performed adequately in Wilson's absence, throwing for 702 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. But the Seahawks struggled without their starter, losing three straight games before their Week 9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wilson was initially expected to miss six to eight weeks, but an aggressive approach to his rehab helped him make his comeback ahead of schedule. The 32-year-old said he won't take his return for granted.

"Just trying to be completely neutral in the midst of it all, knowing that things happen," Wilson said. "I'm also knowing that I've been blessed to be able to play all the games I've been able to play and all the things I've been able to do so far in this league. I feel like it's a new beginning."

At 3-5, the Seahawks are tied for last place in the NFC West, but they sit only one game out of the NFC's final playoff spot.

Seattle has missed the playoffs just once with Wilson as its starting quarterback. The team can only hope his return will lead to a resurgence in the latter half of the season.