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With an important matchup against the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals approaching on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks are set to get a boost defensively with the return of middle linebacker Bobby Wagner to the lineup.

Wagner missed the last five games after tearing the tendon that attaches his big toe to the bottom of his foot. He was initially told to expect to miss eight weeks with the injury. However, Wagner's recovery has been substantially ahead of schedule and he will play Sunday against the Cardinals.

"Bobby is going to play. We're really excited to have him back," coach Pete Carroll said.

Wagner had to have his foot in a cast for two weeks with his toe curled to allow the tendon to heal naturally. Then an additional three weeks were required for rehab before he was able to return to the practice field this week.

"I feel good. I'm very excited to play. I've had a great week of practice and I'm just looking forward to getting back out there and competing with the guys," said the former Utah State star.

Wagner compiled 50 tackles in just five games before suffering the injury in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys.

Running back Marshawn Lynch returned to practice Friday after getting two days off to rest his ailing back. Carroll said Lynch should be ready to go and is listed as probable on the injury report.

Peterson hearing set

Adrian Peterson's hearing for the appeal of his suspension will be held on Dec. 2. And it will not be in front of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The NFL announced Friday that longtime hearing officer Harold Henderson will preside over the proceedings involving the Minnesota Vikings star running back. Goodell has the authority to decide whether to hear the appeal himself or appoint someone else.

Peterson has not played since the opening week of the season while dealing with child abuse allegations in Texas. He pleaded no contest on Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.

Goodell suspended Peterson earlier this week for the rest of the season and told Peterson that he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for his violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Peterson is appealing the punishment, which the NFL Players Association called "unprecedented, arbitrary, and unlawful."

Jets-Bills tickets free

Are you ready for some free football at Ford Field?

Fans are being offered free tickets to the NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets on Monday night that was moved to Detroit from snow-plagued western New York.

The game was originally scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, but the league relocated it to the Lions' indoor stadium after a lake-effect storm dumped about 7 feet of snow on the Buffalo area since Monday.

Around the league

Cardinals • Coach Bruce Arians said it will be a game-time decision as to whether Larry Fitzgerald will play against the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday. The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver did not practice all week and was listed Friday as questionable for the NFC West contest that pits the 9-1 Cardinals against the 6-4 Seahawks. Fitzgerald sprained the MCL in his left knee in last Sunday's 14-6 win over Detroit.

Vikings • Running back Matt Asiata, a former Utah Ute, will miss Sunday's game against Green Bay because of a concussion. Running back Jerick McKinnon was listed as probable to play the Packers after participating in Friday's practice on a limited basis. Recently signed veteran Ben Tate could get some time at running back. —

This week's games

Thursday

Oakland 24, Kansas City 20

Sunday's Games

Green Bay at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Cincinnati at Houston, 11 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 11 a.m.

Cleveland at Atlanta, 11 a.m.

Tennessee at Philadelphia, 11 a.m.

Detroit at New England, 11 a.m.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, ppd., snow

Arizona at Seattle, 2:05 p.m.

St. Louis at San Diego, 2:05 p.m.

Washington at San Francisco, 2:25 p.m.

Miami at Denver, 2:25 p.m.

Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 6:30 p.m.

Open: Carolina, Pittsburgh

Monday's Games

N.Y. Jets vs. Buffalo at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Baltimore at New Orleans, 6:30 p.m.