The Seattle Seahawks lost running back Chris Carson late in the season and will look to take down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs without him.

However, Carson’s outlook for next year is surprisingly bright, especially considering some great news he received on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media (via NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz) ahead of the Seahawks’ playoff weekend, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that Carson wouldn’t need surgery to repair his fractured hip. According to Carroll, the recovery for the injury will still be pretty extensive, but that Carson will be expected back by the time the Seahawks get ready for training camp next year.

This is incredible news for Carson, who likely feared much worse after the injury. After leaving the Seahawks loss to the Arizona Cardinals with the hip injury, many speculated that he would need to miss extended time and then some. Avoiding surgery is a massive step in the right direction for a player that Seattle values going forward.

Before the injury, Carson was a major factor in the Seahawks offense. He finished the season with 278 carries and 1,230 yards, tallying seven touchdowns in the process. Carson had six 100-yard rushing games on the season and had eight carries for 40-yards when he left the Week 16 loss.

After losing Carson, C.J. Promise, and Rashaad Penny to injuries, the Seahawks were forced to sign veteran running backs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin back with the team. They will likely be featured somewhat in the team's upcoming playoff game against the Eagles on Sunday.