Marshawn Lynch began preparing weeks ago for potential return

A visit to the practice facility two weeks ago set the stage for Marshawn Lynch’s improbable return to the Seattle Seahawks.

On December 12, four days after Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending ACL injury, Marshawn Lynch visited the Seattle Seahawks practice facility in Renton, Washington – a visit the team was required to report since Lynch had not filed retirement paperwork.

The team downplayed it as Lynch visiting old friends and family, as his cousin works at the VMAC, and at the time no one had any indication Beast Mode would be back – except Lynch himself.

According to NFL.com reporter Tom Pelissero, Lynch began an intense workout regimen shortly after with his long-time coach, Tareq Azim, which included Azim basically beating up Lynch in an effort to simulate the contact absorbed in an NFL game.

“The one thing I can tell you is you can be 100 percent certain that he’s well aware of what his body can and can’t do,” Azim told Pelissero. “He’s made a choice to contribute to a team and a city that’s given him a lot.”

The Seahawks made the reunion with the 33-year-old official late Monday night. Lynch has not played in an NFL game since October of last year, but his freak athleticism and intense training – at least over the past few weeks – could help him be ready for a small workload on Sunday against the 49ers.

Of course, Lynch’s return is about far more than just what he can and can’t do against San Francisco. His arrival gives Seattle a much-needed shot in the arm as they look to bounce back from an ugly loss and win the NFC West against their long-time division rivals on Sunday Night Football.

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