The Seahawks expect running back Marshawn Lynch to be back on the field Sunday against the Panthers, head coach Pete Carroll informed the media on Monday.
Seahawks expect Marshawn Lynch to play on Sunday
But Pete Carroll says he plans on keeping Thomas Rawls involved.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
"(He) had a good workout (Monday) and he should be on track (to return to practice on) Thursday," Carroll told reporters, via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.
Lynch has missed Seattle's last two games and carried the ball just five times in Week 3. He practiced last week but was held out of the Seahawks' Week 5 overtime loss to the Bengals.
In Lynch's stead the Seahawks have handed the ball to backup Thomas Rawls, an undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan, who has responded by averaging 5.6 yards per carry and eclipsing the 100-yard mark in two of Seattle's last three games. Sunday against the Bengals, Rawls amassed 169 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries.
Lynch, on the other hand, is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry and has yet to score a touchdown.
On Monday, Carroll made it clear that Lynch will remain the team’s primary back, but that he also plans to use Rawls off the bench.
“Normally, Marshawn comes in and out pretty regularly, so we’ll just pump (Rawls) in there and see how many carries that amounts to,” Carroll said. “Usually it’s about eight or 10 carries on a regular game. We’ll see how that goes.
“We’re going to feel real comfortable about him in the two spot, coming in off the bench. There’s no reason for him not to play, he’s done a great job for us, and I would say he’s probably exceeded our expectations at this point.”
This Sunday the Seahawks, who are now 2-3, welcome the undefeated Panthers to CenturyLink Field, where Seattle has lost just twice since 2012.
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