Pete Carroll on Marshawn Lynch: 'This is the best we've seen him'

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters Wednesday that running back Marshawn Lynch is ready to "let it rip" in Thursday's season opener.

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters Wednesday that running back Marshawn Lynch is ready to "let it rip" in Thursday's season opener.

Carroll also said Lynch's condition is the "best we've seen him at this time of year."

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After holding out the first 10 days of camp over his contract, Lynch didn't play in the team's first preseason game against the Denver Broncos, had no carries in Seattle's second game and had just three carries against the Chicago Bears in the Seahawks' third preseason game. But Carroll is still confident Lynch is ready for the season.

"He’s had a great camp," Carroll said. "All throughout the camp I’ve been so happy with the way he’s worked, his quickness, and his fitness has been terrific. He’s ready to go. We’re really excited about cutting him loose."

"He looks the fittest he’s been since we’ve been around. This is the best we’ve seen him at this time of year. Hopefully that’s a great indication that he’s ready to go and age has nothing to do with it."

Lynch, 28, is entering his eighth NFL season and his fifth with the Seahawks. The four-time Pro Bowler had 1,257 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

The Seahawks open the NFL season against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.

- Ben Estes