Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is inactive for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, meaning rookie Thomas Rawls is expected to make his fourth start this season. Lynch, who was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report because of an abdominal injury and did not practice all week, was also questionable the week before after having the injury pop up late in the week, but did play against Arizona.
Asked about Lynch's status on Friday, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism, saying, "I expect the result to be the same (as last week). But we were treating him all day today again. We're really trying to take care of him and make sure he's right."
Lynch missed two games earlier this year with a hamstring injury, but prior to that had missed just one game since coming to Seattle in 2010, a 2011 game at Cleveland. Rawls, who Seattle signed as an undrafted free agent in May, has rushed for 395 yards on 71 carries this season, including 169 yards against Cincinnati. In Seattle's win at San Francisco last month, Lynch rushed for a season-high 122 yards on 27 carries, and has six 100-plus yard games against the 49ers in 10 games dating back to the 2011 season.
As expected, linebacker Bruce Irvin (knee) and receiver Paul Richardson (hamstring) are also out because of injuries. Mike Morgan is expected to start at strongside linebacker in Irvin’s place.
Receiver Kevin Smith, who was signed off the practice squad this week, is active, meaning the former University of Washington standout will make his NFL debut. He should see playing time at receiver as well as on special teams with the Seahawks down to just four healthy receivers with Richardson out. Linebacker Eric Pinkins, who was signed off the practice squad Saturday, is also active, so he too will make his NFL debut. A sixth-round pick out of San Diego State in 2014, Pinkins missed last season with a foot injury, then spent most of this year on the practice squad after converting from defensive back to linebacker. Recently-signed defensive tackle A.J. Francis is inactive, meaning his Seahawks debut will have to wait.
Here are the inactives for both teams:
Seattle Seahawks
WR Paul Richardson
CB Tye Smith
RB Marshawn Lynch
LB Bruce Irvin
C Drew Nowak
G/C Kristjan Sokoli
DT A.J. Francis
San Francisco 49ers
WR Jerome Simpson
WR DeAndrew White
CB Keith Reaser
RB Carlos Hyde
G Brandon Thomas
OL Ian Silberman
DT Tank Carradine
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