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Seattle Seahawks expected to use Thomas Rawls as 'complement' RB

By Alex Butler
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) is wrapped up by Los Angeles Rams Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) after gaining 4-yards at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on December 15, 2016. The Seahawks beat the Rams 24-3. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
1 of 3 | Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) is wrapped up by Los Angeles Rams Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) after gaining 4-yards at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on December 15, 2016. The Seahawks beat the Rams 24-3. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

March 27 (UPI) -- Starting tailback duties appear Eddie Lacy's to lose.

The former Green Bay Packers' weapon was averaging a career-best 5.1 yards per carry last season before being lost to injury. Seattle Seahawks personnel hope the 2013 Pro Bowl selection can regain that form after acquiring him in free agency earlier this month.

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USA TODAY reported Sunday that Lacy will "likely be the starter this season at running back, with Thomas Rawls C.J. Prosise to compliment him off the bench."

Rawls, 23, originally came out hot in an effort for the Seahawks to replace All-Pro Marshawn Lynch. In 2015, he led the NFL with 5.6 yards per attempt. He ran for 830 yards and four scores on 147 carries in 13 games that season, drawing seven starts. But Rawls was slowed in 2016 by injuries and poor performance, running for 349 yards and three touchdowns on 109 carries. He averaged just 3.2 yards per tote.

The biggest issue facing Lacy could be his playing weight. The fifth-year Alabama product weighed in at 267 pounds during his visit with the Seahawks, according to reports.

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ESPN reported that getting Lacy down to 235 pounds was "not reasonable," according to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. His target weight is in the 240's.

Lacy's contract includes a $55,000 monthly incentive for every time he meets the team's target weight. According to ESPN's Field Yates, that weight is 255 pounds for May, 250 pounds for June and August, and 245 pounds for the season.

Lacy's deal is for one-year and $5.55 million. His new pact includes $3 million guaranteed. Rawls is due $615,000 in the final year of a three year contract with the Seahawks.

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