By Khalid Bennett
Sport Editor
Tuesday’s practice at the VMAC featured a familiar face. Thomas Rawls, last year’s undrafted rookie who exploded on to the scene when he filled in for an injured Marshawn Lynch, returned to practice for the first time since breaking his ankle last year in week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 2nd year player is still day-to-day, but the team is confident that Rawls will be ready for the regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 11.
“I’m taking it day by day,” said Rawls after practice. “I don’t want to let these guys down, so I’m doing everything in my power to get back out here.”
The running back position itself still seems to be a focal point of the offense, even after the retirement of Marshawn Lynch. Rookie Alex Collins is giving the team a good look at the running back position which looks like it will feature more than just Rawls. Christine Michael and Zac Brooks are also part a talented group of running backs that are hoping to make the team. However, the return of Rawls is a positive step for the team as they look to continue the success they had running the ball last year without the services of Beast Mode, aka Marshawn Lynch.
As the team prepares to go on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs for their first pre-season action this Saturday, the decision of who will get the majority of the carries still is not clear. The return of Rawls gives the team much more confidence and a much better shot at taking the NFC west back in 2016. Jimmy Graham who was also injured last year was at practice, but did not participate in any drills and the time frame for his return is still uncertain.
