Report: Marshawn Lynch says 'I'm ready' for Carolina game

SEATTLE – The Beast is back. For real this time, if an ESPN report is to be believed.

Marshawn Lynch told ESPN late Thursday that he’s ready to play when the Seattle Seahawks take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in an NFC divisional playoff game.

"I'm Ready," the Seahawks running back texted ESPN’s Kenny Mayne, according to the report.

The game kicks off at 10:05 a.m. on Q13 FOX, but coverage begins at 6 a.m. on the home of the Seahawks.

Lynch has been out since November after injuring his abdomen and undergoing surgery. He rehabbed offsite in the Bay Area, then returned to the team last week.

He had been expected to play against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, but on Friday it was announced he wouldn’t make the trip.