Seattle Seahawks Prepare for Life Without Marshawn Lynch

With Marshawn Lynch set to miss four-five weeks of action, the Seattle Seahawks will now get a glimpse into their future, with Thomas Rawls taking over as the main back.

The news that Seattle Seahawks fans were fearing most, has been confirmed. As per a report from Ian Rapoport of nfl.com, Marshawn Lynch is expected to miss at least a month of action.

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The Seahawks have six games remaining, so Lynch could theoretically return. However, all indications point towards his season being over.

Rapoport advised that the five-time Pro Bowler is set to have surgery on his sports hernia on Wednesday morning. Lynch’s procedure will be performed by groin specialist Dr. William C. Myers, who recently operated on the Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano.

Interestingly, ESPN‘s Adam Schefter had earlier indicated the 29-year old would first of all try to rehab his injury, before deciding on whether to have surgery. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll will confirm the situation during his regular Wednesday press conference.

Either way, this only adds to what has been a frustrating year for Lynch. Before last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, he had already missed two games due to calf and hamstring issues.

Nov 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

If the 2007 12th overall draft pick does not play again this season, he will set career-lows for carries and yards. In addition, his 3.8 average will be the worst since 2010, ironically the year he was traded to Seattle by the Buffalo Bills.

In the absence of Lynch, the baton will be passed over to Thomas Rawls. The rookie free agent pickup will now be expected to help the Seahawks push for a playoff spot.

There is no denying Rawls was spectacular against the 49ers, finishing with the second-most rushing yards in franchise history. However, San Francisco is a team in disarray.

What matters now, is how the 22-year responds to being the main man on a team with one of the poorer offensive lines in the league. In essence, he could be the key component that decides if Seattle can qualify for the post season.

Long term, Rawls performances could go some way towards deciding if Lynch – who has two years remaining on his contract – has a future in Seattle. The Seahawks could save $6.5 million against the salary cap in 2016, if they release him after this season.

Lynch has been the heart and soul of the offense since arriving in Seattle, bringing teammates on both sides of the ball closer together. However, we may be close to getting a reminder that the NFL is a business first and foremost, and a ruthless one at that.