There are 10 teams that have clinched a spot in the AFC and NFC playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks (11-4) are one of those teams, but they are still fighting for the NFC West Divisional title. They are also contending for a first-round bye for the playoffs, which is something they desperately need with their recent series of injuries. Seattle has a pivotal Week 17 home matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers (12-3). This game will ultimately decide the NFC West but not the first-round bye. For the Seahawks to get a first-round bye, they will need the Green Bay Packers (12-3) to lose at the Detroit Lions (3-11-1). The Seahawks will be going into week 17 and into the playoffs with some major changes on offense.
Seattle Seahawks Injuries Strike Key Stars
The last few weeks have not been kind to Seattle as they are down three impact players in the running game. Seahawks running back Chris Carson suffered a hip injury in a crucial 27-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Carson is the league’s fifth rushing yards leader with 1,230 yards. He was ultimately placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his season. In week 14, the Seahawks backup running back Rashaad Penny tore his ACL in the week 14 28-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. C.J. Prosise (arm) was also added to the injured reserve on Thursday. Seattle has four running backs on the injured reserve, including rookie running back Adam Choice (undisclosed). All that is left from earlier in the season is rookie running back Travis Homer, a sixth-round pick from Miami.
The Seahawks’ latest injuries continue to compile with star left tackle Duane Brown now injured. Brown had surgery to repair his knee that kept him out from the Arizona Cardinals matchup last week. Brown’s recovery from his surgery last Monday to believed to be two-to-three weeks. He could eventually make his way back in time for the Seahawks to play their NFC Divisional Round, if they get that far. Losing Brown and three impactful running backs come at the most inconvenient time. The Seahawks’ offense ranks ninth in the league in points (25.6) and third in rushing yards per game (138.3). George Fant will be taking over the starting left tackle spot for the injured Brown. This will leave more pressure for the other offensive linemen especially guards Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker.
Seattle forced to sign Lynch and Turbin
To get some help immediately, Seattle enlisted the help of former Seahawk running backs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin. At 33-years old, Lynch is trying to prove he has plenty left in the tank. Lynch only played in eight games last season for the Oakland Raiders before suffering a groin injury. Lynch played for six seasons with the Seahawks with the latest being in 2015. In 2014, Lynch ran for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns on 280 carries. While has shown signs of his “beast mode” mentality and playmaking ability, he is a long way off from his former self. He is also not up to season playing conditions much like Turbin. Lynch will not likely be a every down back like he was in his first couple years in Seattle. Lynch could ultimately be a specialist back while Homer is the first down back.
At 30-years old, Turbin was also brought in to bring relief to a depleted Seahawks backfield. Turbin played for three seasons with the Seahawks from 2012 to 2014 and then played with three different teams in six seasons. Last season, Turbin only appeared in two games while rushing for 10 yards on four carries. The season before, Turbin appeared in six games with one start while rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Unless he gets a career revival this late in his career, it will be very unlikely he will contribute to the Seahawks in a significant manner as Penny would. Turbin would be more efficient in a 3rd and 1 down factor.
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