Lynch retiring (again)?

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that RB Marshawn Lynch "is not planning to play football again." That likely increases Oakland's focus on the position for this week's NFL Draft. The Raiders signed Isaiah Crowell in free agency to join a backfield that returns Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and 2018 rookie Chris Warren. Last year's carry leader, Doug Martin, remains on the open market. Richard ranked 3rd on last year's Raiders with just 55 rushing attempts but also tied for the team reception lead. Washington tallied only 31 total touches over 10 games and doesn't appear likely to be a significant factor. We'll see how/whether Oakland addresses the position in the draft before projecting others forward. Warren looks intriguing after a strong 2018 preseason, but adding an early-round RB this week would make him harder to like.

The Seahawks have signed RBs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin. Both guys have experience in Seattle: Lynch from 2010 to 2015 and Turbin from 2012 to 2014. Neither guy has registered a touch this season, though, so it's unclear how big a role they're ready to play. Lynch has at least spent the past 2 weeks training hard in preparation for a return. It'll be Lynch, Turbin and rookie Travis Homer in Seattle's backfield against the 49ers on Sunday night. Homer is still the best fantasy bet of the trio, but it's a situation to try to avoid.

The Seahawks and RB Marshawn Lynch are meeting today about a possible reunion. “Both sides are optimistic he is back wearing 24”, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Seattle is desperate at RB after losing Chris Carson (hip) and C.J. Prosise (arm) in the Week 16 loss to the Cardinals. Lynch, of course, spent 2011- 2015 with the Seahawks. But he hasn't played since October of 2018, and it's entirely unclear what kind of shape the 33-year-old is in. He wouldn't be a realistic Week 17 fantasy option, but he'd make RB Travis Homer tougher to trust.

The Raiders have placed RB Marshawn Lynch (groin) on IR. That knocks him out for at least 8 weeks, meaning Week 16 would be the earliest he could return. Lynch is obviously droppable in all fantasy leagues. The tanking Raiders will move forward with a Doug Martin and Jalen Richard backfield. Neither is more than a RB3, with Martin the better bet in non-PPR and Richard in PPR.

Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch will miss "at least" a month with a groin injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport adds that IR is a "strong possibility," which could cost Lynch 8 weeks. We'd try to keep him stashed for now considering the lack of viable fantasy RBs out there, but Lynch is droppable in shallow-bench leagues. His absence will leave the backfield in the hands of Doug Martin and Jalen Richard. Martin seems like the favorite for carries, with Richard dominating passing-game work. Neither is a particularly exciting fantasy add in a scuffling Raiders offense.

Raiders HC Jon Gruden said Tuesday that he's "concerned" about RB Marshawn Lynch's groin strain. Lynch is getting the issue checked out during the bye week. He's been on the injury report every week this season with hip, shoulder and groin issues, but this is a new injury. We'll update his status when we learn more. Doug Martin would likely step in as Oakland's ball-carrier if Lynch misses time.