All of the latest injury news, as the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their NFC Wild Card clash with the Minnesota Vikings.
TheSeattle Seahawksare understandably favorites for their NFC wild card match-up with the Minnesota Vikings. However, they are now going to have to win withoutMarshawn Lynch.
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Lynch was ruled out of the game on Friday night, when he informed the Seahawks he wasn’t fit enough to play.The news was confirmed by Bob Condotta ofThe Seattle Times.
What’s most strange about this turn of events is that the five-time Pro Bowler had been a full participant all week in practice. Indeed, Pete Carroll had spent most of that time telling the media the running back was going to play.
In the absence of Lynch, the Seahawks will likely now rely onChristine Michaelto carry the load. The 25-year old has looked promising since returning to Seattle for a second stint, including his first career 100-yard rushing game in week 17 against the Cardinals.
One thing helping Michael and the rest of the running game is that the offensive line should be close to full strength.J.R. Sweezyhas been cleared to play after recovering from a concussion, andRussell Okungis back from dealing with a calf injury.
The only other player definitely ruled out against the Vikings is tight endLuke Willson. The LaSalle, Ontario native is still recovering from his concussion sustained against the Rams, meaning Seattle will rely onCooper HelfetandChase Coffmanfor a second straight week.
Coffman had a decent debut against Arizona, with four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown, and Carroll is confident both tight ends will do just fine.As per Brady Henderson of710 ESPN Seattle, the head coach said: “We’re fortunate that (Coffman) emerged so quickly for us and we can go with he and Coop and play the game that way.”
The biggest boost to the Seahawks is thatKam Chancellorwill be back on the field on Sunday. The four-time Pro Bowl strong safety has been out since he suffered a bruised tailbone during week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The only other concern had centered aroundTyler Lockett, who missed practice on Wednesdaydue to a previously undisclosed hip injury. However, it turns out this was just a precautionary measure, and the Seahawks only first-team All-Pro selection has been cleared to play.
Next: 5 things we learned about the Seahawks against the Cardinals
How much do you think the loss of Marshawn Lynch will affect the Seahawks chances in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments section below.
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