The Seattle Seahawks are moving closer to the return of top receiver DK Metcalf, who has missed multiple games due to an MCL injury.
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Metcalf returned to practice on Wednesday and fully participated. He exceeded the expectations set by head coach Mike Macdonald, who said that the former Ole Miss standout would be limited.
Metcalf sustained the injury during a Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He went high for a pass but was upended by safety Justin Simmons. Medical crews carted him off the field during the fourth quarter of the game.
Metcalf missed the 31-10 loss to the Bills and the 26-20 loss to the rival Rams while recovering from the MCL injury. The team was on Bye last weekend, which gave him extra time to recover.
The Seahawks have not confirmed that the former second-round pick will return for Sunday's game. However, his full participation in practice provides a positive outlook.
The Seahawks started the season 3-0 but are now 4-5 and last in the NFC West. Next up on the schedule are the rival 49ers, who are 5-4 after welcoming Christian McCaffrey back to the lineup last weekend.
Metcalf still remains tied for the team lead with 568 receiving yards and three touchdowns despite missing two games with the injury. Jaxon Smith-Njigba matched these numbers while serving as the leading receiver in Metcalf's absence. Tyler Lockett is second on the offense with 456 yards and two touchdowns.
If Metcalf can return to the lineup against the 49ers, he will give quarterback Geno Smith and the offense another capable playmaker at a pivotal point of the season.
"It just opens up the offense that much more," Metcalf said about being back on the field during a press conference. "Whether they're having to double team, me and him (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and Lock (Tyler Lockett) gets open or we were able to run the ball and Ken (Kenneth Walker III) gases them or Zach (Charbonnet) gases them for a long run.
"I think it just puts more pressure on the defense to have to cover all of our skill positions."
