Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll firmly expects running back Thomas Rawls and tight end Jimmy Graham to be ready in time for the start of the regular season.
“Oh, absolutely. I absolutely think that,” Carroll said Thursday in regards to Rawls’ and Graham’s status. “They would have to incur some issues that we can’t foresee right now for that not to happen.”
Neither Graham or Rawls has been able to take part in OTAs or mini-camp for the Seahawks this offseason. Graham suffered a torn patellar tendon in November against the Pittsburgh Steelers while Rawls broke his ankle and suffered ligament damage in early December against the Baltimore Ravens.
Graham was able to catch some passes while jogging over the last few weeks but has still not been able to take part in any significant capacity. Carroll said Graham is a bit ahead of Rawls at this point in their recoveries.
“They both have made great progress,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “Whether it’s the first day of camp or not, or it’s PUP or whatever, we’re going to have to wait and see how these six weeks play out.
“It’s a really important six weeks because these guys are in good enough shape now that they can get in shape. They’ve worked their way back in the rehab process, and now they’re preparing to really push ahead. Jimmy’s a little bit ahead of Thomas in terms of the on-field running, so he’s a bit ahead schedule-wise, but still, Thomas is in great shape. Both kids are mentally right, they’ve got the great attitude about what they’re going to do in these next six weeks, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Seattle opens the season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 11.