Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch is expected to return to practice this upcoming Monday just in time to help his team prepare for the postseason, according to Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.
"I have an expectation of that," said Carroll, via ESPN. "Let me say I'm anticipating that." Lynch has missed six straight games for Seattle since undergoing surgery for a sports hernia injury. The Seahawks have already lost talented rookie running back Thomas Rawls for the rest of the season with a broken ankle, and Carroll is looking for Lynch to bring back Seattle's dominating run game just in time for the postseason.
Lynch has struggled this season with injuries, and many are left wondering if the 29-year-old back still has some left in the tank. The 2015 season was the first time in over four seasons that Lynch had not rushed over 1,000 yards, and he has struggled to find the endzone this year with only three touchdowns. The Seahawks are hopeful that following surgery and with time in rehab, Lynch can come back rejuvenated and give Seattle a boost going into the playoffs.
Seattle clearly struggled to move the ball against the St. Louis Rams this past weekend, and quarterback Russell Wilson led the team with six carries for 38 yards. The Seahawks are currently projected to play the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field in the current playoff picture, but no matter who Seattle plays, expect Carroll to try to re-establish a strong ground game on wildcard weekend, as he knows how important running the ball is in the postseason.
