THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Even with Russ back, offense still looked dreadful

Russell wasn’t ready.

Neither was Pete Carroll, who threw a hand warmer on the field instead of his challenge flag — and lost the decision, besides.

In the end, though, neither Russell Wilson’s just-repaired middle finger nor Carroll’s schemes made much difference Sunday, as the Seahawks absorbed a 17-0 blanking at Green Bay — their first shutout since 2011.

And yes, that goose egg a decade ago at Pittsburgh came prior to the Wilson era, with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback.

So, Russ not only had to suffer the pain in his finger, along with being battered and pummeled by the Packers, he also was forced to see a zero on the scoreboard for the first time in 150 NFL games.

Fittingly, it started to snow on the Packers and their howling celebrants at Lambeau Field during the fourth quarter — as Green Bay was methodically pounding an exhausted Seattle defense into the soggy turf.

The Hawks had every reason to be gassed, since the offense — already dead last in the league in time of possession — managed only 20 minutes with the ball.

With seemingly every other Wilson pass either high, low or “just a bit outside,” the Seahawks never could mount much of a drive.

WHEN THEY did get within sniffing distance of the end zone, Wilson made an ill-advised pass while being chased to his left — and the floating toss was intercepted by Kevin King.

Well, OK, it wasn’t.

King dropped the ball and then covered it, but in keeping with the dreadful officiating in the league this season, the pick was allowed to stand.

Seattle never really put together another serious threat.

If we’re being honest here, Wilson probably wasn’t in proper condition to play — either physically or in terms of preparation.

I realize that the Seahawks, now 3-6 and now fully on the playoff critical list, wanted desperately to upend a Packers team that hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, either.

But the truth is that Geno Smith would have had as much chance to grab some points in this setting as Wilson.

For the record, Russ was 20 of 40 for just 161 yards and two interceptions, for an eye-watering QB rating of 39.7.

To be fair (and this would have been true if they’d used Smith), the offensive line was dreadful on all counts.

Wilson was never comfortable, being continually chased by what seemed like half the population of Green Bay.

Only Russ’ ability to slither away from chaos over and over kept the sack total to three, but it set up both picks — not to mention that the line’s inability to block anyone led to the the awful time of possession that doomed the exhausted Seahawks defense at the end.

AMAZINGLY, the Pack led just 3-0 after three quarters, but even if Carroll was wishing upon a star (or whatever he does when hoping for a miracle), you could see what was going to happen.

Seattle’s defense was valiant most of the way, but to quote Vince Lombardi: “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”

The Packers had an efficient running game working from start to finish, and Aaron Rodgers (remember him?) only got greedy once — throwing an end zone interception to Jamal Adams.

Other than that, Rodgers slung safe passes to Devante Adams, Randall Cobb and his running backs to keep drives moving.

Want a feel for the whole long and unpleasant day?

After Adams’ pick midway through the third quarter kept the deficit at 3-0, the Seahawks’ ensuing “drive” lasted three plays and 1:26 off the clock — and lost three yards.

If you want to feel better, the Packers may be the best team in the NFL if they can stay healthy, and Lambeau was hardly a place for Wilson to enjoy a nice, comfy rehab.

The question now is whether Carroll can put the pieces back together pronto — and believe it or not, it’s the offense that’s scattered all over the floor.

Gonna be a big job.

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Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

He also writes Zags Tracker, a commentary on Gonzaga basketball which is published weekly during the season.