Seahawks Insider: Thomas Rawls, Michael Wilhoite expected back in action at practice

RENTON – The Seahawks didn’t get the running start they were hoping for on Sunday, so maybe the return of Thomas Rawls will help them get up to speed.

Rawls practiced without limitation in the week leading up to the regular-season opener, but was held out of the game as he’s recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason opener.

Coach Pete Carroll was asked before Wednesday’s practice if he expected Rawls to play in Week 2.

“I think he will,” Carroll said. “He’s got to make it through every day of practice. We’ll do it one day at a time, but he looks to be prepared to go and that’s what we’re counting on until we can’t.”

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Linebacker Michael Wilhoite, who missed the regular-season opener because of a calf injury, was also expected to practice.

“He’s looking to be back, counting on him being back,” Carroll said. “That was the thought going in, that by holding him back one more week last week, but he’s got to go day to day and show us that he’s OK.”

Wilhoite has missed the past four weeks because of a calf injury. He underwent Regenokine treatment before the preseason finale in hopes of aiding his recovery.

Wilhoite could start at strongside linebacker if he’s ready to return. Just where Rawls would fit into the running back rotation remains a question. Of the 90 yards Seattle rushed for in the season-opener, Russell Wilson gained 40 of them on a pair of quarterback scrambles.

Carroll was asked what the first step was in getting that running game going.

“The first step was taken nine months ago, 10 months ago,” Carroll said, pointing back to an offseason that included the signing of Eddie Lacy and drafting of Chris Carson. “Just disappointed that we didn’t get the opps because of a lot of things that happened in the game. We’ve just got to do it. Keep chopping wood is what it takes.”

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