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It feels like the last time we really saw Thomas Rawls at full strength was during his six carries against the Baltimore Ravens on December 13, 2015, just prior to breaking his ankle. Of course, Rawls did have a 106-yard, two touchdown game against the Panthers last season, plus 27 carries for 161 yards in the playoffs against the Detroit Lions, but I know fans are tiring of seeing him on the injury report. Especially as they salivate over the idea of Chris Carson being an all-purpose number one back.
With that being said, Rawls looks to be a game-time decision for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks as they take on the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau on Sunday afternoon.
Rawls (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Friday, but if he’s not 100% on Sunday, there may not be a point to risk him (or use an active game-day spot) when the team also has Eddie Lacy, Carson, and C.J. Prosise at their disposal, not to mention J.D. McKissic or Tre Madden in an emergency situation. Lacy is almost certainly going to be the starter either way, while Carson and Prosise should figure into the plans as well.
Another game-time decision is rookie safety Delano Hill (shoulder) who was limited on Friday. Carroll mentioned on Friday that free agent signee Bradley McDougald is basically prepping like a starter, ready to relieve Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor on occasion, so the safety depth may already be fine as is. One defender who did not practice on Friday was defensive tackle Jarran Reed (shoulder) but Carroll said that he feels fine and will play as normal. Same goes for Richard Sherman (thigh) and Michael Bennett (rest), both of whom did not practice on Friday.
Carroll said that Tyler Lockett is ready to play in “all phases” of the game, meaning offense, kick returning, and punt returning. McKissic is likely to be active anyway, just in case.
But it’s not completely good news. Linebacker Michael Wilhoite is unlikely to play due to a calf injury. That may mean more opportunities for Terence Garvin, but the Seahawks don’t put three linebackers out there often, so not much should change in that regard. It is however less depth behind Bobby Wagner, should the need arise. Wilhoite is the only player listed behind Wagner on the depth chart.
Overall, Seattle may be without a SAM/inside linebacker, and will have game-time decisions on Rawls and Hill. But for a Week 1 game, or any game, they’re about as healthy as anyone could have hoped. The Packers are going to be without defensive lineman Montravious Adams, while right tackle Bryan Bulaga is “questionable,” but probably will start. So Green Bay is as close to full strength as they could probably hope for too.
The Seahawks and Packers kick off at 1:25 PM PST.
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