Marshawn Lynch set to return for playoffs

Marshawn Lynch continues to work towards a return to the Seattle Seahawks, just in time for the playoffs.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll sounded hopeful today that star running back Marshawn Lynch may be ready to play when the team opens it’s playoff run next week;

"“I would think he can make it back. That’s what we hear. It’s really up to that day-to-day kind of progression that he’s making. There’s a lot of days between next week starting up. We’ll see what happens.” –Pete Carroll"

Lynch hasn’t played since the Arizona game in week 10, and had surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle on November 25th. He’s been working out with his own trainers in the bay area for the most part, something the team has supported. Carroll has a long-standing preference of wanting players to have two good weeks of practice before returning from major injury, but believes Lynch’s case may be unique:

“We have to see what he looks like when he gets here, but if anyone could do it, he could.” Carroll said.

Lynch’s absence was softened by the outstanding play of rookie Thomas Rawls in his place, but when Rawls went down for the season with a broken ankle two weeks ago it turned the spotlight back onto Beast Mode.  He’s been remarkably durable until this year, but was nursing a number of nagging injuries before finally having surgery for the abdominal issue.

His return could be a catalyst for the Seahawks, who are coming off their worst offensive performance in two months against the Rams, and are likely to rest some key players this week in Arizona as they get ready for the playoffs.

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There are many who believe this could be Lynch’s last season in a Seahawks uniform. Just how he might write the ending to that script should be much clearer by this time next week.