The Seattle Seahawks' playoff chase this 2015 National Football League (NFL) regular season will continue without running back Marshawn Lynch who underwent surgery for a sports hernia injury last Wednesday in Philadelphia. 

According to a report by ESPN, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the surgery, also saying the estimated recovery for Lynch is around three to four weeks, according to the running back's doctor. 

Carroll also never ruled out the possibility of Lynch missing the remainder of the season, but added they are not expecting that to happen. 

The report also stated that the 29-year-old running back stayed in Philadelphia following the surgery to recover. 

Lynch has been plagued by a number of health woes this season which really affected his game and his production. 

In seven games played this 2015, the five-time Pro Bowler only had 111 carries for 417 yards and three touchdowns. 

This is the first time in four seasons that Lynch will be missing action. He had not missed a regular season game from the 2012 to 2014 seasons; but so far this year, he already had three absences because of injuries. 

Now, stepping up in Lynch's absence will be undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls and veteran Fred Jackson; both have not missed a game this season so far. 

Rawls has been playing great in his first year in the NFL having 101 carries for 604 yards and two touchdowns. 

Meanwhile, Jackson, who has known Lynch for a long time since their Buffalo Bills days, has 15 carries for 65 yards this season in his first year with Seattle. 

Because of Lynch needing to be sidelined, the Seahawks re-signed running back Bryce Brown last Tuesday to add depth to the position. 

The Seahawks are currently second in the National Football Conference (NFC) West with a 5–5 record, just behind the division-leading Arizona Cardinals who are at 8–2. 

Up next for Seattle will be a matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday for Week 12 action.