Report: Back spasms could sideline Lynch in opener
Sep 4, 2012, 2:24 PM | Updated: 5:22 pm
By Brady Henderson
The back spasms that have been bothering Marshawn Lynch during training camp could keep the Seahawks running back from playing in Sunday’s regular-season opener against Arizona, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
 Marshawn Lynch |
Lynch didn’t practice the last two weeks, though coach Pete Carroll said his back was responding well to treatment. Lynch didn’t play in either of the Seahawks’ final two preseason games, a decision that could have had as much to do with preserving his overall health than it did with his back specifically.
Lynch has dealt with back spasms for much of his career. He was sidelined shortly before kickoff of the Seahawks’ 6-3 loss to the Browns last season. Smaller running backs Leon Washington and Justin Forsett combined for just 62 yards in his absence, underscoring how important Lynch and his physical running style are to Seattle’s offense.
The Seahawks spent a fourth-round pick on Robert Turbin with the hope that the similar-sized running back could replicate that style when Lynch came off the field. With Lynch on the sideline for all but one preseason game, Turbin rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries.
Related: What to make of Marshawn Lynch’s ‘uncertain’ status
