SEATTLE -– A short distance from CenturyLink Field in Pioneer Square, Marshawn Lynch on Saturday opened a new store, unveiling his Beast Mode apparel.
The line to get Lynch's autograph stretched down the block.
But count the 49ers among the grateful that Lynch will not be open for business on Sunday, when the teams meet for the first time since Lynch announced his retirement on Super Bowl Sunday.
Lynch always seemed to be at his best against the 49ers. It's a challenge the 49ers will not experience this time around.
"Will I miss it?" 49ers All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman said, repeating the question asked of him. "I don't know about missing it. If the challenge presented itself on Sunday, I would definitely take it. But hats off to him. I hope he's enjoying retirement."
In Lynch's past nine games against the 49ers, he averaged 101.9 yards per game, 4.5 yards per rushing attempt. He scored 10 touchdowns, including eight on the ground.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will also not have to face another running back who had a field day against them a year ago. With Lynch out of action, Thomas Rawls stepped in and carried 30 times for 209 yards and added three catches for 46 yards.
Rawls is not expected to be available for Sunday's game due to a shin injury.
The Seahawks are likely to lean on running back Christine Michael, who leads the team with 126 yards on 25 rushing attempts through two games.
Oh, yeah, they also still have quarterback Russell Wilson.
"No. 3 is still their quarterback," Bowman said. "So any time he's there they're always going to be a good team. A guy that dangerous, I don't care if he's wobbly or gimpy at all, I'm still going to play him like he's healthy because he's that good with his feet."
