"It's something Seattle running backs coach Sherman Smith doesn't like to see – his every-down running back in full uniform standing next to him watching from the sideline.

But that was the case when Marshawn Lynch developed lower-back spasms while warming up before the Cleveland game, relegating him to the role of spectator.

"I was disappointed because I know how much he means to our offense," Smith said. "He's got outstanding skills as a runner, and we need him in the game.

"And so to find out as fast as we found out unexpectedly, it shocked me. And I know it must have bothered him because he's a tough guy. If he can go, he'll go."

Sunday was only the fourth game in Lynch's five-year career that he has missed because of an injury. He missed three games his rookie season with Buffalo in 2007 because of an injured ankle.

Lynch said he has been dealing with a nagging back issue for a while, but it never got to the point where he had to miss a game.

"It's frustrating, but at the same time going out and doing battle the way we do, you've got to listen to your body sometimes," he said. "I took the time and actually listened to it, and it told me it wasn't what I thought it was. Sometimes things happen like that.""