It’s appearing more and more likely that Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch will make his return to the lineup for Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round game against the Carolina Panthers.
When asked via text by Kenny Mayne of ESPN how he was doing, Lynch replied with a simple two-word reply: “I’m ready.”
Lynch completed his fifth consecutive practice with the Seahawks on Thursday after returning to the team last week. After having surgery to correct an abdominal issue on Nov. 25, Lynch spent several weeks rehabbing in the Bay Area. He was then a full participant in all three practices with Seattle last week before telling the team he wasn’t yet ready to play and not making the trip to Minnesota with the team.
Lynch has been a full participant in both practices this week in preparation for the Panthers on Sunday.
“I can’t judge each and every day, but probably one of the best days that he had out here today,” offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said on Wednesday. "...He had a little bit more pace, a little bit more tempo to him even than he did at the end of last week.”
Lynch had 54 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Panthers in Week 6. He’s averaged just 60.6 yards per game in five total meetings (four regular season, one postseason) and scored just one rushing touchdown against Carolina in the last four seasons.