The beast is ready to be unleashed on the Minnesota Vikings
Coach Pete Carroll announced Monday, via the Seattle Seahawks' official Twitter feed, that running back Marshawn Lynch is "ready to go" after missing nearly two months due to a core muscle issue that ultimately required surgery.
Although Carroll acknowledged that Lynch will have to get through the practice week unscathed, he anticipates "Beast Mode" will be the starter for Wild Card Weekend.
"I really feel like it's going to be just fine," Carroll added.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport had previously reported that Lynch would only return once he is fully healthy.
Carroll's five-time Pro Bowl power back isn't the only key starter expected to return this week. Strong safety Kam Chancellor and offensive linemen Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy are also due back. Those reinforcements are a scary proposition for the NFC playoff field following Seattle's dismantling of a 13-3 Arizona club in the regular-season finale.
With the option to play the speedier Christine Michael as Lynch's change-of-pace complement in Russell Wilson's increasingly high-octane attack, the Seahawks are stronger entering January than they have been all season.
