NFL Playoffs: Pete Carroll Says Marshawn Lynch ‘Benched Himself’

USA Today

Heading toward the NFC playoff showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota, Marshawn Lynch’s playing status was uncertain. Lynch hadn’t played a single game since Nov. 15 due to an abdominal surgery he underwent on Nov. 25 and was thought by many to be done for the season.

Although Lynch hadn’t suited up in over a month, head coach Pete Carroll was confident his star running back would be back on the field in Minnesota. Carroll said leading up to the game that he expected Lynch to play, but it didn’t end up that way.

According to ESPN, Carroll claims Lynch made the decision to sit out against the Vikings:

Marshawn Lynch benched himself for his team’s NFC wild-card game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

With Lynch surprising Carroll by not playing against the Vikings, the one-time Super Bowl champion isn’t making any promises for the Seahawks’ matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Carroll said the following about Lynch’s status after the win in Minnesota via ESPN:

“I don’t even know,” he said. “Just wait and see and take it one day at a time.”

It will be another tough playoff matchup for the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round heading on the road for a second straight week. The Panthers have only lost one game all season long coming into the postseason with a record of 15-1.

Although Carolina has been as tough to beat as any team in the league this season, the Seahawks are only +3 underdogs, according to Sportsbook.ag. The one thing Seattle has going for them in this matchup is playoff experience and thriving in the underdog role. Lynch being back on the field makes them that much more dynamic offensively, but Seattle is a tough team to face regardless and should give the Panthers a run for their money on Sunday.