By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Sunday, September 25, 2016

AP photo: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson speaks at the podium at the post game press conference after the Seahawks defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Century Link

Before leaving with a left knee injury, Russell Wilson was busy making life miserable for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The veteran quarterback threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, leading the Seahawks to a 37-18 NFC West victory in Seattle.

The loss dropped the 49ers to 1-2, while Seattle improved to 2-1.

Russell’s injury occurred nearly five minutes into the third quarter when he hit the turf awkwardly while being sacked by the 49ers’ Eli Harold, who was flagged for a horse-collar penalty.

After the game, Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll referred to the injury as a “slight sprain,” adding that Wilson would undergo an MRI to verify the diagnosis.

Wilson finished his day 15 of 23 passing, including an 18-yard TD toss to Jimmy Graham. Trevone Boykin, who replaced Wilson, threw the first touchdown pass of his NFL career, a 16-yarder to Doug Baldwin.

Seahawks running back Christine Michael scored his first two NFL touchdowns in the first quarter on runs of 41 and 4 yards. Michael finished the day with 106 yards on 20 carries and a replacement for the injured Thomas Rawls.

Baldwin caught eight passes for a career-high 164 yards. Steven Hauschka also booted three field goals for the Seahawks.

Carlos Hyde had a pair of touchdown runs for the 49ers, who had five first downs after three quarters of play. Blaine Gabbert saw his streak of 12 straight games with a touchdown pass come to an end – he was 14 of 25 for 119 yards and one interception.

It didn’t help the 49ers to lose two key players in the first half – tight end Vance McDonald (hip) and cornerback Jimmy Ward (quadriceps). Neither player returned.

Garrett Celek, McDonald’s backup, took a hit to the back early in the third quarter, but returned a few plays later.

Next week, the 49ers return home for an Oct. 2 date with the Dallas Cowboys.