Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls out for rest of season
Monday 14 December 2015 09:35, UK
Seattle Seahawks running-back Thomas Rawls will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his ankle against the Baltimore Ravens.
Rawls has been one of the finds of the season, having come from obscurity to take over as Seattle's lead back in the absence of injured Marshawn Lynch.
But the rookie, who gained 47 yards on his first five carries against the Ravens on Sunday, was injured on his sixth when he was pushed back by Baltimore's defence and twisted awkwardly as he went to the turf.
Rawls was able to limp off under his own power, but scans soon revealed the severity of the injury and left Seattle relying on untried DuJuan Harris and veteran Fred Jackson.
But neither was needed on Sunday as the Seahawks improved to 8-5 on the season with a 35-6 win that saw in-form quarterback Russell Wilson throw five touchdowns.
Coach Pete Carroll admitted he felt for Rawls, who was picked up as a free agent in May and went on to rush for 786 yards with an impressive average of 5.6 yards per carry.
"He did break his ankle, but I think the torn ligaments are really the problem," Carroll said. "I don't think he's going to have to have an operation, from what I understand, but it's substantial.
"Thomas has had a fantastic rookie season for us
"He just exemplifies what we're all about-toughness, hard-nosed, committed, grit and all that stuff. We love the guy and we're going to really miss him. He has really been a great asset to us this year and we love the way he has played."
Harris managed only 42 yards on 18 carries, while Jackson carried seven times for 15 yards, and Carroll might have to use them again over the next two weeks, with Lynch unlikely to return before their final game of the season.
He added: "We'll see how Marshawn does, he was back in rehabbing with us. We'll see where he is, he's got a chance to get back. It's all about getting back in shape and getting right.
"I don't know what that timetable is at this point, our trainers can't tell yet, but that'll be the next thing we'll look for and see how that works, and in the meantime we'll figure it out."
