Seahawks hopeful of Percy Harvin return

RENTON, Wash. – The Seahawks were understandably banged up coming out of a physical NFC championship game against division rival San Francisco, but with some time off, Seattle could be as close to full strength as any team could hope for as it heads into the Feb. 2 Super Bowl.

This week could see a big boost in that regard as receiver Percy Harvin is expected to return from a concussion that kept him out of Seattle’s 23-17 victory Sunday.

Coach Pete Carroll said the team will return to practice Wednesday and that Harvin “has a very good chance” of participating.

“He was in pretty good shape on the weekend,” Carroll said of Harvin, “so he still has to go through a couple clearances and all that, but we’re kind of counting on him to be ready.”

In other health issues, running back Marshawn Lynch likely will rest this week after carrying the ball 22 times against the hard-hitting 49ers. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has foot/ankle soreness and receiver Doug Baldwin played through a hip issue Sunday that could limit him this week.

Indications Monday, at least, were that the injuries aren’t serious.

Also positive was news that linebacker K.J. Wright didn’t aggravate anything in his return from a broken foot after just six weeks.

Carroll noted that Wright’s foot is sore, “but it’s not bad. … He was really excited that he didn’t reinjure himself and he made it through it and performed well.

“So he’s ready to go.”

Left guard switch

The Seahawks had a second consecutive surprise at left guard in the playoffs.

One week after Michael Bowie was an unexpected starter in the divisional round against New Orleans, the rookie was inactive against the 49ers with his spot shared by James Carpenter and Paul McQuistan.

Carroll said competition at the spot remained open and that the coaching staff leaned on the side of experience when deciding to go with the pairing that had handled the position for most of the regular season.

“It’s one of those deals that it’s so close, the competition is so keen that it can go either way,” Carroll said. “And we thought the experience would help us and didn’t put too much pressure on Michael in that instance. But he’s going to be very competitive as we move forward. Here goes another couple weeks, and we’ll see what happens.”

Lane hit on sideline

Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane appeared to be hit on the 49ers sideline Sunday when he was serving as a gunner on punt coverage.

Lane was forced out of bounds, where he was then knocked to the ground by an unidentified person in street clothes.

No penalty was called.

“I think that’ll be a very interesting report back from the league,” said Carroll. “I was really disappointed that it didn’t get called because there is an official who is on that. He was obstructed out of bounds. By intent? I don’t know.”

Carroll said the Seahawks noticed it during the game and complained to the officials so that it wouldn’t happen again. He made it clear he felt Lane “definitely got hit.”

Easing Wright in

Wright played 16 snaps in his return from a broken foot, and most of them came on the strong side in place of Bruce Irvin, not on the weak side for Malcolm Smith, who had replaced Wright following the injury.

Irvin played just 23 snaps Sunday while Smith played 51.

Asked how the versatile Wright will ease back into the linebacker mix, Carroll said the team will wait to figure it out.

“He played a lot, he played well, and I don’t know that answer,” Carroll said. “We don’t need to know that yet, but what a great asset for us now. … We’re thrilled to have him back.”