Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks' Lynch expected back Thursday after missing two games

Published Oct. 12, 2015 8:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll expects running back Marshawn Lynch to return to practice Thursday and be available for Sunday's home matchup against the undefeated Carolina Panthers.

Lynch has been sidelined the past two games due to a hamstring injury, the first time he has sat out since the 2011 season.

Undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls has filled the void left by Lynch, rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

It was the second career start for Rawls, who also went over 100 yards after replacing an injured Lynch at halftime of a Week 3 matchup versus the Chicago Bears. Carroll said he anticipates Rawls will still receive eight to 10 touches per game when Lynch returns to the lineup.

Pete Carroll on Thomas Rawls' role once Lynch returns: "Normally Marshawn comes in and out pretty regularly" So 8 or 10 carries/gm #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) October 12, 2015