News out of Seahawks practice is that former second-round pick Paul Richardson is back practicing with the team this week. Optimists say he could be ready in time for this Sunday’s game in Dallas, although Pete was cautious in guaranteeing any return at all.

This could be a huge boost for an offense that hasn’t overwhelmed any teams yet this season and could be coming at the perfect time. Russell Wilson has been taking more shots downfield lately and connecting, as evidenced by the 40+ yard touchdown passes to Ricardo Lockette and Tyler Lockett against Carolina and San Francisco, respectively.

Reports on how Richardson looked in practice said that he looks faster than he might have been even before tearing his ACL last year. He has always had a reputation as a speedster, and the thought that he might be faster should be scary for opposing defenses. He was drafted with the Seahawks’ first pick in last year’s draft based on his speed and potential to be the vertical threat Seattle has been missing since Sidney Rice succumbed to chronic injuries.

Last season Richardson got off to a last start as he was learning to “gain Russell’s trust,” and he finally caught on toward the end of the year. In Seattle’s last three games Richardson had 13 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown, showing he had finally gained that trust.

Without Richardson on the roster Wilson’s fastest receiver likely is Ricardo Lockette, though there is a reason he isn’t on the field much apart from special teams. Tyler Lockett has proven to be a more capable receiver than anticipated but still he lacks the size to battle defensive backs and go get balls. Richardson is no giant himself at an even six-foot, but he can get behind any DB and there’s no way Russ can over throw him.

This should pay dividends for the run game as well as secondaries will have to backup and respect Richardson’s speed.

We trust the team’s medical staff but one thing to keep an eye on is how quickly Richardson is back to playing at full strength, as this is his second ACL surgery. Hopefully he is back to his old self sooner rather than later, as he can be a huge boost for this offense.

photo: Flickr/Mike Morris