Seahawks safety Earl Thomas returns to the practice field

Seahawks safety Earl Thomas has practiced for the first time since the week before the Super Bowl.

After practice, Thomas revealed just how hard the rehab process has been on him – both mentally and physically.

There is no word so far on the status of Thomas for the regular season opening game September 13th at St. Louis.

“It was very tough, because I was trying to be happy for them, but I was fighting demons in my head”, Thomas said. “So like I said, it just felt good to be back out here today”.

He said there were “a lot of negative thoughts” going through his mind while he was out.

– Richard Sherman was back in pads today, but like Thomas did not take part in 11-on-11 sessions as he continues to rest a hip flexor injury. But being out here today, it reassured me that I love it. I just need to be out here.

On top of the health questions, the Seahawks have no idea when strong safety Kam Chancellor will end a holdout that has lasted 19 days.

Watch his post-practice presser here. “My teammates were happy that I was out there”.

Coach Pete Carroll had hinted of Thomas’ possible return soon on Monday, and as practice began Tuesday Thomas was back out there, but wearing the same red jersey as do the team’s quarterbacks, indicating that he is off-limits to contact.

Thomas hasn’t missed a game since entering the league in 2010 despite playing his position with a reckless abandon.

“It’s been very tough”.