The Seahawks need something more on offense. They likely won’t get it from running back Thomas Rawls on Sunday against the 49ers.
Seattle has listed Rawls as doubtful with a leg injury. Under the revised injury-reporting rules, Rawls’ availability lands anywhere from 49.9 to 0.1 percent.
“It’s not a dangerous injury or anything like that, it’s problematic for him at this time,” coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Friday. “We’re just going to be open minded and still make the decision to see what we’re going to do. We are prepared to go without him if he can’t go, but we’d love to see him if he can get there.”
Christine Michael will get the start if Rawls can’t play, and Carroll is ready to make Michael the workhorse.
“He’s averaging five yards a carry for a reason,” Carroll said of Michael. “He had a really good off season, he had a terrific camp. All indications that he’s ready for a bigger load. He’s had 20-something carries so far, he’s ready to carry the ball 20-something times in a game. He could be fine with that.”
Joining Rawls as doubtful are offensive lineman Germain Ifedi (ankle) and tight end Nick Vannett (ankle). Running back C.J. Prosise is questionable with a wrist injury, and receiver Tyler Lockett is questionable with a knee injury.
As to Ifedi, Carroll suggested he’ll be ready for Week Four. The coach was noncommittal on Prosise but indicated that Lockett should be ready to play.
Not listed are quarterback Russell Wilson (ankle) and receiver Doug Baldwin (knee). Baldwin was limited in practice on Wednesday, but he fully participated thereafter. Wilson reportedly has a high ankle sprain, but he played last week with the injury.