The Monday night injury listings are in, and there are some big ones. As in the starting running backs for both teams – Marshawn Lynch and Joique Bell.
The Seahawks are calling Lynch (hamstring) questionable. ProFootballTalk says they have a team source who says Lynch is “40-60” to play – as in more likely to sit out than play. He’ll be a game-time decision.
Sounds like even if Lynch does play, he’s definitely going to lose work to other backs. They’ve got to get him healthy for the long haul. If Lynch were to play, it would be awfully tempting for the Seahawks to pull him if they were up by 14 points in the third quarter.
If Lynch sits, the Seahawks will use Thomas Rawls as their starter. They’ve also got Fred Jackson, and they’ll work him in as a chance-of-pace option.
Other than Lynch, the Seahawks are pretty healthy. Their entire injury report (as well as Detroit’s) is listed at www.Seahawks.com.
For the Lions, they’re definitely going without Bell (ankle). That shouldn’t have a gigantic impact on their offense. Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick were going to play a bunch anyway. If the ball winds up on the 1-yard line and they want to muscle it in, I’m guessing they’ll probably go with Zach Zenner. He’s a larger runner, and he got a few touches in their first game. I think it will be a three-man committee with those guys.
The Lions also will be without their blocking tight end, Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring).
Detroit’s defense should be missing one of its key guys again, linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip). He hasn’t played all year, and that’s been a setback. He’s the most important player on that defense – an active tackler and also a leader who’ll get the other guys fired up.
The Lions also might be without their best pass rusher. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (groin) is questionable.
—Ian Allan