I recall "Against the Wind" (the full, five-minute version) being on a compilation CD that my then-country station had. We were NOT forbidden from playing it, and it even came up in the rotation every once in a while.
The song didn't chart on Billboard's country chart at all. That doesn't mean it didn't get an occasional spin on a country station, but not enough to register.
Seger used the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section on this album, many of whom have been part of country songs. In fact piano player Barry Beckett went on to become a successful Nashville producer.
Also, Seger's music influenced some 90s country stars, most notably Garth Brooks. He recorded Against The Wind for his covers album a few years ago, and invited Seger to take part in Brooks' induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.