Seattle Seahawks: Will C.J. Prosise Play Against the Atlanta Falcons?
By Paul Taylor
Tuesday will be a key step towards determining if C.J. Prosise returns for the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, in the divisional round of the playoffs.
All season long, theĀ Seattle Seahawksā one glaring weakness, was the lack of a decent running game. Thanks to a combination of injuries, Marshawn Lynchās retirement and a sub-standard offensive line, they ranked just 25th in the league, averaging 99.4 yards per game.
However, all that changed in the wild card game against the Detroit Lions. Thanks to a franchise playoff-record 161 yards from Thomas Rawls, the Seahawks powered their way to a 26-6 win.
Suddenly, the Seahawks look like their old selves, which must be a worrying sign for the rest of the NFL. Along those lines, Pete Carrollās team could be set to receive a further boost to the running game.
As reported by Sportspress NW, C.J. ProsiseĀ will return to practice on Tuesday. The news was confirmed by Carroll on Monday, during his weekly radio appearance with āBrock & Salkā on 710 ESPN.
More from Seattle Seahawks
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks: Four Takeaways from Week 14 21-7 victory
- Seattle Seahawks: Three Takeaways from the Week 13 43-16 victory
Prosise has been out since suffering a fractured scapula on November 26th, against the Philadelphia Eagles. At the time of the injury, he had already rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on only four carries against the Eagles.
The timing couldnāt have been more frustrating for the rookie, who was just beginning to find his feet in the NFL after already dealing with a wrist injury. Just a week earlier, he had rushed for 66 yards against the New England Patriots, while adding another 87 through the air.
In truth, the Seahawks likely wonāt know if Prosise will be available to face the Falcons, until later on this week. Along those lines, Tuesday will provide a significant indicator.
Speaking to āBrock & Salkā, Carroll said: āHeās going to practice and weāre going to find out. We donāt know how heāll respond to the practice, but he is going to go and weāll see how extensive that will be and weāll just take it one day at a time and see.ā
Given the 22-year oldās receiving skills out of the backfield, he could provide major matchup issues for the Falcons. Carroll appreciates how much he would mean to the team.
Carroll said: āWe would love to have him back and weāre ready to go, weāll have no problem fitting him in and weāll look forward to that opportunity. But we canāt get distracted by that because we donāt know whatās going to happen by Saturday.ā
Of course, after the injury problems the Seahawks have contended with this season, Prosiseās return could be countered by the loss of another member of the backfield. Fullback Marcel Reece is questionable for the Falconsā clash, after suffering an injury against the Lions.
More from Emerald City Swagger
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Washington State Football: What you need to know for 2018 Alamo Bowl
- Washington Basketball: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over Sacramento St.
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
Carroll said: āHe got stepped on and his foot was really sore during the game. They thought maybe he had broken something; he did not. So weāll just see how he recovers this week.ā
The Seahawksā head coach praised Reeceās blocking in the wild card game, and talked about what heās meant to the team, since joining them in early December: āHeās really a consistent player, heās smart, and he has learned over the years how things fit.
āWe need to fit on the correct guy so weāve covered up the right defender, then the running back takes off from there. (Also) heās a good pass catcher, he moves well, he has good instincts about the passing game.ā
Tuesday will represent the first of three practices this week for the Seahawks. Their schedule has been moved up a day, due to playing their divisional round game against the Falcons on Saturday.
Next: Hawks fans should enjoy the good ol' days
Whatās your prediction for Prosise ā do you expect him to return against the Falcons, or is it too soon? Along with Reeceās potential absence, how much does this matter, in terms of the Seahawksā chances of defeating the Falcons? Share your thoughts in the comments section.