Russell Wilson is feeling as good as ever. In his first interview since being released to return after a finger injury, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback said Thursday that he is pleased with the progress of his recovery process and that he has made a near-complete recovery.

“I’m not at 100 percent yet, but I’m very close,” said Wilson, who hasn’t played in Week 5 because of a tendon tear in the middle finger of his throwing hand.

“I don’t need to wear gloves. The hand feels strong.”

Wilson is back in training this week and is expected to play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The star quarterback is believed to have been out for at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve on October 15. Originally, he was supposed to take a break of up to eight weeks.

“My whole attitude was to cut the time in half,” he said. “I even exceeded my plan because I had great people.”

The Seahawks, who got away with just one bye, set a 1-2 record without Wilson. Seattle is last in the NFC West with 3–5, but is only one game behind the Atlanta Falcons, who are currently ranked 7th in the NFC playoff table.

Photo: Imago/Zuma Wire