Seahawks optimistic Marshawn Lynch will play in Week 5

The Seattle Seahawks didn't have Marshawn Lynch on the field Monday night, but they narrowly escaped with a win.

It sounds like they won't face the same uphill battle in Week 5.

Head coach Pete Carroll said after Monday's game that Lynch, who is battling a hamstring injury that may be affecting his lower back, ran well before the game and is nearing a return to the lineup.

"He wasn't quite right," Carroll said. "His best day was today. He ran pretty well in pregame, but they did not think he could sustain through the game and come out healthy again the next week. So we're hoping that by using patience here, that he’ll be ready to go this next week."

The Seahawks travel to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5.