Thomas Rawls didn't expect to play a ton of snaps in his first game back from a leg injury.
Then injuries struck. Starter C.J. Prosise went down with a shoulder injury and backup Troymaine Pope hurt his ankle. Rawls was the only healthy, active running back left as the Seahawks cruised to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
When told he played 40 snaps in his first game since Week 2, Rawls was surprised but resolved.
"I don't think that was in the game plan, but whatever it takes," Rawls said of his Week 11 workload, via the team's official website. "I think with a mentality like that and my work ethic, it doesn't matter. Whatever it takes to help these guys. I also know that a couple guys went down in the backfield and I'll be praying for those guys. But in the meantime, I need to hold down the running back position, no pressure."
Rawls better be ready to carry the load. Prosise is out "for a while" according to coach Pete Carroll. Fifth-round rookie Alex Collins is the only other healthy back on the roster after the team cut Christine Michael last week, which has to be one of the most poorly timed releases in John Schneider's illustrious career.
Rawls toted the rock 14 times for 57 yards (4.1 average) and added three receptions for 31 yards Sunday. The tightly bound second-year back displayed his brand of bruising running style, plowing through would-be arm tackles and barreling shoulder-first into defenders.
"When I see my brothers out there bringing the pain, delivering the pain, and I know what type of person Rawls is - he loves to seek contact and that's a part of my nature," said Chancellor. "It gets me revved up. I can feel him. I can feel his passion and his energy that he's playing with. It's a connection that we have."
The plan was to ease Rawls back into the rotation. Plans change quickly in the NFL. Now Rawls will be the workhorse as Seattle drives towards a deep playoff run.
