In the last several days, Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl wide receiver Doug Baldwin has continued to steps forward in his recovery from a partially torn MCL that has kept off the field for the last two games.

A day after voicing that he was ready to return to the fold, head coach Pete Carroll stated during an interview with KIRO Radio 97.3 FM that he's excited to see Baldwin back for this week's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.

Pete Carroll said during his weekly radio show that Doug Baldwin will play Sunday at Arizona. Baldwin missed the last two games with an MCL injury. “He looked great [in practice],” Carroll told KIRO Radio 97.3 FM in an interview that aired Friday. “He was explosive. The suddenness that we have come to love in his play was there. He caught the ball great. You could just feel he and Russ hooking up on different stuff. Russ was so confident throwing him the football in his routes, so we're really excited for him to play in this game.” Baldwin was listed as limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday.

The return of Baldwin brings back the team their top receiving option as he has emerged as legitimate No. 1 target in the passing game for Russell Wilson in the last few years. He did go through a slight drop off in production last season where he notched 75 receptions for 991 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, but it did mark his third straight campaign with at least 75 catches and 950-plus receiving yards. This also helped him earn his second straight Pro Bowl selection. It was also the fifth time in his first seven seasons he led the Seahawks in receiving yards.

Baldwin is one of the linchpins of their offensive game plan that will help alleviate some of the pressure off Wilson with his favorite target in the passing game back in the mix. It should also allow for Brandon Marshall and Paul Richardson to both be more effective receiving options.

Seahawks will likely have him on a snap count given it will be his first game back from a significant injury that he could experience a setback if not handled correctly. More importantly, his presence on the field should provide them a lift against the Cardinals in their push to reaching the .500 mark on the season.