Seahawks have imposed no limits on Harvin for playoff game against Saints

RENTON, Wash. – There was agreement on two key points Thursday.

Dynamic wide receiver Percy Harvin will play today in the Seahawks’ divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints.

And, getting him to this point has been frustrating.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Harvin will be unleashed today for the first time since playing 19 offensive and two special teams plays Nov. 17 against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. He and Harvin said there will be no limitations.

“He’s going,” Carroll said. “I told you if he’s going to go, he’s going. So he’s playing.”

That means Harvin is expected to be standing in the end zone today the first opportunity the Seahawks have to return a kickoff.

He’ll line up in the slot, outside and possibly in the backfield. Those are deviations of which New Orleans defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is aware.

“Hell, they could put him at center probably and hike the ball,” Ryan said. “He’s all over the place. We know who he is, and we’ll have him identified, and we’ll do a great job.”

During his extensive rehabilitation from Aug. 1 hip surgery, there were times when Harvin was unsure if he could return to the field this season.

Even during the game against the Vikings, Harvin said he knew something was not right. Afterward, he had soreness and stiffness in the hip. He also had excess fluid.

“It kind of went up and down, especially from week to week,” Harvin said. “Especially after being out there a couple days, going to sleep not knowing if I was going to wake up the next morning with it swelled up. It got very frustrating.

“I know for the organization, it was frustrating too, knowing that I could practice one day and maybe not practice the next day.”