SEATTLE — When Seattle Seahawks teammates invoke Marshawn Lynch’s nickname, they are paying tribute to his reputation.

All the runs, over all the years, that earned him the title of “Beast Mode.”

That is the level where Lynch has been, but the question is: Will he remain there if he returns for the playoffs after having abdominal surgery in November?

Lynch rejoined the team Monday, which means he might play in Sunday’s playoff game at Minnesota. His teammates expressed full confidence in him.

“Beast Mode,” offensive tackle Garry Gilliam said. “Let him do his thing.”

“I mean, there’s nothing like having Beast Mode,” receiver Jermaine Kearse said. “You know what I’m saying?”

But what will the Seahawks get? Lynch has not played in almost two months and has played in only seven games this season because of various injuries.

When he did play, he averaged 3.8 yards per carry, his lowest average since 2010. By other measures Lynch was the same as ever. According to Pro Football Focus, Lynch was one of the league’s most elusive running backs, having forced 37 missed tackles on 124 touches.

If healthy — a big disclaimer — Lynch gives the position stability and experience. No one understands what the Seahawks want from their running backs better than Lynch. And no one should be better suited to adjust to how the offensive line is playing, how all the pieces are fitting together, on the fly.

He has seen it all before, and he has six 100-yard performances in 10 playoff games.

“He’s a master craftsman,” safety Earl Thomas said. “He understands how to flow with what’s going on, and that just adds power to what we bring to the table.”

But the offense’s dynamics have shifted this season. Quarterback Russell Wilson had the best season in franchise history with 4,024 passing yards and 34 TDs, and the offense has clicked in ways it hasn’t before.

Running the ball is still the Seahawks’ top priority, but Lynch is returning to a team that is different from the one he last played for in November.

“We’ve been around him for such a long time we’re going to be able to recognize his movement,” coach Pete Carroll said. “That’s all we want to see — him getting in and out of breaks. Things he always can do and that he can withstand the workload and all of that.”

Offensive line coach Tom Cable hinted at this change, however big, a couple weeks ago.

“I think if he’s right and ready to and all that, I’ve said this before, he’s a fine football player,” Cable said in December. “So it’s his ability to adapt to us, really, who we are and how we’ve come together as a group and as a team.”

Cable added, “That will be his challenge.”

It is unclear how Lynch will play, how it will all fit together. But his teammates look forward to welcoming him back.

“His leadership, his presence,” receiver Doug Baldwin said. “Even though he was gone, he was very present with our team and talking to people, sending text messages. To have him in our huddle, it gives us a different mentality. I’m excited to get him back.”