Seahawks notebook: Lynch carrying more of the load in practice

RENTON – Marshawn Lynch didn’t exactly get a running start into this season. He held out the first week of training camp for a new contract and then easing into the practice routine.

He is, however, starting to run for the Seahawks, his workload elevating on Sunday’s workout.

“He had a very good practice today,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We’re just trying to do it properly. I really like the way he got after it today. He got stuff in all phases of the practice, caught some balls well, blocked well, ran the ball real nice.”

Lynch’s readiness will become an increasing focus not to see whether he’s able to appear in exhibition games but to make sure he’s ready to be the primary ball carrier again when the regular season starts.

“This is really the first week he has a chance to really compete,” Carroll said. “And he brought a great attitude today.”

Lynch did not travel to Denver for the preseason opener, staying back along with a number of starters like left tackle Russell Okung and safety Kam Chancellor. Running back Robert Turbin started, rushing four times for 5 yards. Christine Michael fared a little better, gaining 16 yards on seven carries, but Seattle’s leading rusher in the game was quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

As for Lynch, don’t expect him to get much work – if any – in Friday’s preseason home game against San Diego. In the past three years, Lynch has rushed a total of 16 times in preseason games.

“He doesn’t need a lot of carries, I know that,” Carroll said. “We need to get him some work. We’ll see how this week goes first. He looks great. He’s in great shape. He looks as great as he ever has. His weight is way down. He has really worked hard to get here. Even through a trying time, he kept his focus and did a nice job in getting ready. It showed today, and you can tell.”

Jefferson out a few weeks

Cornerback A.J. Jefferson opened some eyes with his performance in Thursday’s game, not just with his third-quarter interception of Brock Osweiler, but his overall performance.

But unfortunately for Jefferson, he suffered an ankle injury on that interception, which will keep him out for a while.

“It’s going to be a few weeks,” Carroll said, “probably a couple weeks anyway.”

Notes

• DL Andrew Pulu was absent from Sunday’s practice due to a family situation, according to Carroll.

• C Max Unger did not practice Sunday, still slowed by a sore groin, but could be back for practice on Tuesday. In his absence, G Steven Schilling got some practice time at center.