The Seattle Seahawks will be without top running back Marshawn Lynch for a second straight week, according to NFL reporter Marc Sessler.
The team announced that their top back has been ruled out against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, due to a hamstring injury. "He's running very well, but he's just getting over it," said head coach Pete Carroll, via nfl.com. "We just have to wait a couple more days."
Lynch struggled in his first three games played this season, and he is averaging 3.4 yards per carry with no touchdowns. The Seahawks are one of three teams in the NFL to have not scored a rushing touchdown this season, and they will likely look to change that this weekend against the Bengals.
While Lynch has been ruled out, the Seahawks expect Fred Jackson to play Sunday, according to CBSSports.com. Jackson suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Jackson signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks prior to the season, and is used heavily in third down passing situations.
Jackson has seven receptions for 74 yards this season with a touchdown. The Seahawks will look to Jackson and rookie running back Thomas Rawls to step up Sunday against the undefeated Bengals.
Rawls is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and the past two weeks he has rushed for 152 yards. The Bengals have the sixth best rush defense in the league in terms of yards given up per game. Rawls and Jackson will look to get Seattle their first rushing touchdown of the season, but it will be a tough task as the Bengals are the only team in the league to have not given up a rushing touchdown.
