The return of Chris Carson makes Seahawks NFC favorites to reach Super Bowl

As Chris Carson returns to action, the Seattle Seahawks might be the team to beat in the NFC.

Russell Wilson doesn’t need much help to be successful with the Seattle Seahawks, but any would be nice. With just over a month to play, he’ll be getting some on offense.

The Seahawks announced running back Chris Carson will play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Carson had missed the past four games with a sprained foot but is expected back at full strength, according to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

“He looks really good,” Carroll said, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “He looked explosive and in great shape. He’s got fresh legs … You could tell. He could feel it in his change of direction and all that stuff, so he’s really raring to go. He’s full go.”

Carson was starting off strong to begin the 2020 campaign after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Through six games, the 26-year-old collected 323 rushing yards off 66 carries and 22 receptions for 147 yards and six total touchdowns.

The Seahawks are getting healthy at the right moment

Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, Carlos Hyde returned to action after missing several games with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 7. He finished with 14 rushes for 79 yards and a touchdown to help Seattle pick up the 28-21 victory at home.

In both running backs’ absence, the Seahawks relied heavily on the passing attack from Wilson to carry the load. Without Carson or Hyde to take carries, Seattle turned to the dual-threat quarterback and DeeJay Dallas to split carries rushing. Neither was able to tally more than 60 yards when looking to run.

The Seahawks also will be getting healthier on the offensive line with the return of center Ethan Pocic. Pocic missed the past two games with a concussion while rookie guard Damien Lewis took reps in his place.

Defensively, Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin is also expected to return after missing the past four games with a hamstring injury.

Health is essential down the stretch for playoff contenders. Now that Seattle has added back their two running backs, two Pro Bowl defensive backs and sturdiness on the offensive line, #LetRussCook is bound to return, helping Seattle become frontrunners down the stretch for the No. 1 seed in the race for the NFC crown.