Thomas Rawls Expected to Suit Up for the Seattle Seahawks This Sunday
Thomas Rawls is finally ready to play this season.
The third-year running back has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since August and he missed the Seattle Seahawks' season opener against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. However, head coach Pete Carroll said Rawls is expected to make his return when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Rawls was present during Wednesday's practice, so that's a good sign. And Carroll sounded optimistic, but fans should temper their expectations because he also practiced with the team on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week, and he was still ruled out of the game against the Packers.
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"He's got to make it through every day at practice, we haven't practiced yet, so we'll do it one day at a time. But he looks to be prepared to go and that's what we're counting on until we can't," Carroll said before Wednesday's practice, via the Seahawks' official website.
The team struggled offensively in their 17–9 loss, but they should do better with Rawls on the field.
"Rawls returning should bring some vigor to the backfield. The 5-foot-9 back runs like an angry bowling ball on fire. Behind an offensive line that refused to block a soul on Sunday, Seattle needs Rawls' tackle-breaking ability to move the ball on the ground," NFL Network's Kevin Patra said in his column.
Eddie Lacy was brought in to compete with Rawls during the offseason, but he only played seven offensive snaps in his return to Lambeau Field. He finished the game with five carries for three yards, and now observers are saying that the Packers may have done the right thing by letting him leave.
Chris Carson did fine in their first game of the season, but Rawls should operate as their lead runner once he makes his return.
