Seattle lists Marshawn Lynch as probable against Panthers

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is listed as probable for Sunday’s divisional round game with the Panthers.

The Seahawks thought Lynch would be ready to play against Minnesota last week, but he sat out the Seahawks’ wild card win, making a last-minute decision to not play in the game.

Lynch was a full participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

Lynch also participated in practices last week, with Carroll indicating after the final practice Friday that he would play. Seattle’s done fine without Lynch since he went out, but let’s not forget that this was the engine that ran the offense for the past few seasons.

“He’s really pumped to play football and play with his team”, said Carroll.

Lynch rejoined the Seahawks last week and practiced fully for all three days.

The veteran has not played since November 15 and has spent more than a month rehabbing in the Bay area back near home, after having abdominal surgery on November 25. “You can see that he made an improvement”, Carroll said.

“He had a great week (of practice), he really did, ” Carroll said. “Probably a little bit more tempo to it as well, so we’ll just continue to go day to day with it”, he continued.

Coach Pete Carroll had said about an hour before Lynch got on the bus that the star’s “bags are packed”.

Michael had a solid performance a week ago in the sub-zero temperatures in Minnesota, as he rushed for 70 yards on 21 carries.

“He’s going to play a lot”, Carroll said.

“I don’t think there’s any question, ” Carroll said. In the game against Carolina Oct. 18, Lynch ran for 54 yards on 17 carries and scored on a one-yard run.

“Any time you have Marshawn, it’s a great thing”, Wilson said Thursday.

Fullback Will Tukuafu is Seattle’s only player who isn’t expected to play, listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury he sustained last week. Jackson was the only other running back to receive a carry and that was just once.