Will the Seattle Seahawks be in "Beast Mode" for Sunday's regular-season opener at Arizona? We might not know whether running back Marshawn Lynch carries the football for the team until the pregame warm-ups.

Head coach Pete Carroll joined 97.3 KIRO FM's Seattle's Morning News Friday and provided the latest on Lynch's bothersome back spasms.

"We need to see what happens after he practices today," Carroll said. "He looks fast. He looks quick. He looks like he's in great shape. He's got to get clearance from the doctors, so it's out of our hands. We'll go day-to-day and take it right up to game time."

Lynch is the identity of Seattle's offense. His remarkable touchdown run two years ago against the Saints caused the needle to move on local seismometers.

Carroll says a physical running attack will be key, especially as rookie quarterback Russell Wilson develops.

"We want to be tough and aggressive and play in that style. The running game really does give you that opportunity," Carroll said. "It affects everything that happens on offense in terms of play-action and helping the guys up front protect the QB."

"It's a big part of our plan, and we're going to keep running it no matter what," Carroll added. "It would be a big help if we have Marshawn and Turbo [Robert Turbin] and the whole crew. We're looking forward to seeing how that comes together."

Backup quarterback Matt Flynn was also limited in Thursday's practice with a sore elbow. Receiver Golden Tate is unlikely to play because of a sprained knee.

The Seahawks are favored by two-and-a-half points over Arizona. The pregame show begins at 10 a.m. with Dori Monson. Steve Raible and Warren Moon handle the play-by-play at 1:15 on both 710 ESPN Seattle and 97.3 KIRO FM.

Follow Bill Swartz, 710 ESPN Seattle

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