Thomas Rawls passes physical, taken off PUP list

The Seattle Seahawks got one of their key offensive players back today. Thomas Rawls passed his physical and was officially added to the active roster.

He’s back! Thomas Rawls, the Seattle Seahawks running back that led the entire NFL in yards per carry last season, is finally healthy and ready to begin practicing.

According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Rawls passed his physical and has been placed on the active roster.

With today’s practice being the annual “mock game,” and tomorrow being an off day, Rawls’ first full practice will be Tuesday. He likely will only be a partial participant in practice until after the first preseason game.

The Seahawks have no reason to rush Rawls back. They’ll ease him in, and get him ready without putting him at risk for re-injury. Even with him being back now, it’ll still be surprising to see him play before the 3rd preseason game.

NFL rules prohibit guys on the PUP list from working with coaches during practice. They can work with trainers and watch drills, but nothing else. That is why it is important to get Rawls back on the field now instead of later in camp.

Even if the team holds him out of team drills and keeps him away from the bulk of the in-practice contact, he can still position drills and the non-contact portions of practice. This will allow him to get his footwork in sync with Russell Wilson and make sure that they are on the same page.

After last season, the Seahawks know what Rawls is. They don’t need to jeopardize his surgically-repaired ankle this far before Week 1. He simply has nothing left that he needs to prove.

Next: Seahawks signed Jahri Evans. Now what?

It should also be noted that Jimmy Graham has not yet passed his physical and remains on the PUP list. The Seahawks continue to insist that he’ll also be ready to do by Week 1, and there is still plenty of time remaining for that to happen.