Seahawks activate Thomas Rawls from PUP list

Thomas Rawls returned from the PUP on Tuesday.

But a young Seahawks fan reversed roles as she gave running back Thomas Rawls a touching gift.

That transaction became official on Sunday.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has maintained all along that the team will proceed slowly with Rawls and won’t rush him back. All that really matters for fantasy owners is Rawls’ activation, as it’s the clearest indication yet the Seahawks expect him to be ready for Week 1. “I just appreciate them being out here and supporting us every day”.

“It’s heart-wrenching to see it, because he wants to be back so badly and he was willing to work at it, at the levels that we could barely understand”, Carroll said.

Tight end Jimmy Graham remains on PUP. Carroll stressed Rawls will not be rushed into action after being activated off the active/PUP list. Graham has not done anything other than rehab since tearing his patellar tendon against the Steelers last season. Rawls also needed surgery for his injury, which included some ligament damage in addition to the fracture. He has flashed consistently throughout training camp and has earned time with the first-team offense. In the meantime, George Farmer, who was a corner up to a few days ago, is now the team’s “third down back” until C.J. Prosise gets back. Fullbacks Brandon Cottom (Achilles) and Tre Madden (shoulder) have been lost for the season.

The injuries meant Alex Collins started at tailback for the Seahawks in their scrimmage Sunday.

Carroll said he’s not anxious whether Rawls plays in preseason games. Carroll said he’s a good pass blocker but needs work on his blocking for the running game. So that’s why we are going to take time. It’s great to see him back out there.

“I took a lot from him, just how he approached the game from the mental part and just leading me off the field as far as different things as far as being in the National Football League or making business decisions or talking to different people or trying to help me get a regimen of taking care of my body as a rookie”. “He’s worked so hard to get here and he’s finally crossed this threshold to be back with his teammates”. “It’s a good deal”.

Sunday was the first appearance of newly acquired free agent guard Jahri Evans, a multiple-time All-Pro with the Saints for the last decade. Half a dozen others are nursing minor hamstring injuries.