Seahawks uncertain about Lynch's status vs. Panthers

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll revealed running back Marshawn Lynch felt he'd be unable to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, after the conclusion of Friday's practice.

Carroll was asked about the next step in Lynch's recovery, blankly answering, "I don't know."

Lynch was widely expected to suit up in the wild-card round, but did not board the plane to Minnesota with his teammates, evidently still feeling the ill-effects of an abdomen injury that held him out of the Seahawks' final seven games.

Christine Michael stepped up in Lynch's absence, as the Seahawks narrowly defeated the Vikings 10-9, advancing to play the top-seeded Carolina Panthers.

With Lynch out, the Seahawks adapted its run-heavy offense as quarterback Russell Wilson ended the season in the best form of his career.

Against a Panthers' front-seven that boasts Pro Bowlers Kawann Short, Luke Kuechly, and Thomas Davis, the Seahawks can only hope their superstar running back will be able to return next Sunday.