QB Tarvaris Jackson’s arm strength, confidence improving

By Liz Mathews

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has been a full participant in practice all week and there is no longer a question as to whether or not he will be able to start come game day.

Jackson said that he now feels no pain while throwing, and is able to take all the starting reps in practice.

“Well earlier I was just trying to get to the point where I’d be able to play,” Jackson said Friday after practice of his recovery shortly after the injury. “Once I get to the game, it was more about trying to make plays than worry about my injury.”

But now, Jackson explained, both his arm strength and his confidence have improved.

“When I first got hurt, seeing other guys throw the ball, you kind of take it for granted a little bit to be able to throw the ball hard — I couldn’t really do it,” Jackson said. “So it feels good to have it back. Sam [Ramsden], the trainer, came up to me today and was like, ‘Stop trying to show off.’ But it feels good to have my arm strength back. I’m kind of happy about it.”

And having a healthier Jackson back in the lineup is encouraging for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

“Obviously, being able to have him out here at practice is the biggest deal,” Bevell said on Thursday afternoon. “There have been a lot of weeks when he’s taken very few reps so it’s good to see him out there full-time. He feels good. He’s feeling a lot better so he’s improving.”

Bevell explained that he no longer worries about that one hit or that one throw that could possibly bench Jackson for the remainder of the game.

“I’ve got more confidence in it now, honestly,” said Jackson. “My confidence kind of wavered in it –- not confidence but knowing, ‘I might be able to make that throw,’ or worrying about if was going to feel it if I make that throw or if I make it, would it take me out of the game?

“But I have confidence in it just from last week coming to this week and lifting on it and practicing the same day and it hasn’t given me any problems.”

Cornerback Byron Maxwell returned to full practice on Friday, although his status for Monday night remains uncertain considering the lengthy time he sat out recovering from pneumonia.

Neither linebacker David Hawthorne nor defensive end Raheem Brock were able to practice for the second straight day.

Due to the Monday night game, the Seahawks have a walk-through scheduled for Saturday morning and the official injury report will be be released after the practice.

Below is the official practice report for Friday.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

DE Raheem Brock (calf)
LB David Hawthorne (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION

CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)

FULL PRACTICE

QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
CB Byron Maxwell (illness)