Seahawks hopeful Lynch will play Sunday vs. Vikings

Back at the team facility after recovery from abdominal surgery, Marshawn Lynch appears to have a chance at returning to game action in time for the Seattle Seahawks' playoff opener.

Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Monday that he's hopeful Lynch will be able to play in Sunday's wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Carroll explained that the team would need to see how Lynch responds in the upcoming week of practice, but that he'd likely be in the starting lineup if cleared to play.

The five-time Pro Bowler making his long-awaited return would bolster an already strong Seahawks offense for yet another potential Super Bowl run.

Lynch was instrumental in Seattle's postseason success over the past two years, running for an impressive 606 yards and six touchdowns in the club's six playoff games.