First-round draft pick Russell Okung finally returned to practice this week and appears to be ready to go this weekend. After suffering a high-ankle sprain in the preseason, Okung has been sitting out while waiting for it to heal. Though he began practicing earlier this week, it seemed like his Seahawk-debut would still be later, rather than sooner.

The Tacoma News Tribune's Eric Williams had a report from practice, passing along head coach Pete Carroll's thoughts on the left tackle.

"Russell's ready to play," Carroll said. "He did a very good job this week. We'll see how this day affects him, and we'll get all the way to game time to make a decision on that."

Sounds encouraging. Okung would be a much needed shot in the arm for the Seahawk offensive line. Throwing him into the mix, if healthy, at left tackle gives Matt Hasselbeck a promising protector for his blind-side.

We'll find out more Sunday as the Rams take on the Seahawks at 10 a.m.