Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch's Worrisome Back Opens Door for Robert Turbin

By Raj Prashad
Senior Writer

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is a workhorse, pounding the ball up the middle or cutting outside with the downfield running style vital at his position.

He’s an integral piece to the offense head coach Pete Carroll has built in Seattle.

But Carroll might have to do without Lynch for a week or two as he recently has fallen victim to the injury bug– back spasms that had kept him off the field since August 18, the Seahawks second preseason game.

While Lynch’s return Thursday was a positive sign, the fact that he hadn’t touched the practice field once since sustaining the injury is worrisome, making the coaching staff’s pick of the 5-10, 222-pound Robert Turbin all the better.

Turbin, the No. 106 overall pick in April’s draft, has been a force in the little time he’s spent with the Seahawks.

Appearing in all four preseason games, Turbin averaged 4.3 yards per carry, rushing for 165 yards and a touchdown over that span.

The numbers aren’t staggering, but Turbin’s individual game stats really jump off the page. After a solid debut against the Tennessee Titans and a respectable game against the Denver Broncos, Turbin broke out with a massive 14-carry, 93-yard performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry and was dominant with surprising explosion off contact and ridiculous upper body strength.

“We liked the thought that when Marshawn comes off the field, we still have that impact player, big-time guy who can keep the rhythm going,” said Carroll after picking Turbin in April.

If Lynch can’t go Sunday, the Seahawks will surely miss what has become the focal point of their offense, but Turbin should be a suitable replacement.

Follow Raj on Twitter: @RajPrashad

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