Earl Thomas back at practice, unsure about Week One

He was that way Tuesday while discussing his injury and return to practice, though there was one lighter moment when he was asked whether it’s tough having to wear a red jersey indicating he’s not ready for contact. This late into the exhibition-game season it’s likely that will be the starting unit for next week’s third preseason game at San Diego, the usual final “dress rehearsal” for the regular season.

The 26-year-old sustained the problem during his side’s NFC championship win over the Green Bay Packers, but played through the pain barrier during the Super Bowl.

With three and a half weeks before the opener, as well as Carroll’s comments on Thomas’ injury status, make his return for the opener very realistic. Earlier this week, Thomas said he questioned his love for football during the process.

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

“It’s worked out fine”.

“He’s taken to it. Earl’s the kind of guy that you have to put the governor on, because he’s going to go full speed”. “But we’ll see”. “But he did a great job of handling it, and we’ll increase his reps next week quite a bit”.

“We’re just making sure that he has all of the time to gain all of the strength that he can just to protect him”. But he added a remark that Carroll seemed to be addressing Thursday. On Wednesday, an ESPN report said Chancellor won’t report unless his contract situation is addressed this season. Of the 19 players who weren’t in uniform for the game, more than half were defensive backs including All Pros Richard Sherman (hip) and Earl Thomas (shoulder). That includes the debut of Seattle’s new offensive line, with Drew Nowak at center, Garry Gilliam at right tackle and Justin Britt at left guard.