It’s no shock (despite the “BREAKING NEWS” alert from NFL Mobile) that Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch will play. Once he was listed as probable on Friday and not downgraded to out on Saturday, it became clear Lynch will play for the first time since November 15.
The question is how much Lynch will be used.
“You never know with this guy,” a source with knowledge of the situation said.
Somewhat amazingly, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell acknowledged that same concept in pregame comments to Britt McHenry of ESPN. “You never know,” Bevell said regarding whether Lynch will play. “He can change his mind pregame.”
That concession came after ESPN played clips of guys like Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson, and Richard Sherman saying all the right things in interviews this week with ESPN’s Chris Berman. Bevell’s candor better reflects the exasperation the organization feels about Lynch at this point.
The idea that Bevell would be uncertain that Lynch would pull the plug before the game is stunning. Lynch has been listed as probable; it means that he’s virtually certain to be available for normal duty. For Bevell to think there’s a chance Lynch simply says over the next 90 minutes, “Nah, I can’t go” provides a rare glimpse into the unpredictable nature of Marshawn Lynch.
It also suggests that Bevell and the Seahawks believe that Lynch, while technically active for Sunday’s game, could say at any point, “Yeah, I’m done.”
Here’s something far more certain about Lynch and the Seahawks: If Seattle loses on Sunday, he’s done as a Seahawk.
