Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner has dropped his appeal, and will begin a four-game suspension without pay immediately for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs. He will be eligible to return to the active roster on December 31st, in time for any playoff games.
With this move, the Seahawks may only be without one of their starting cornerbacks for two games. Richard Sherman's appeal is reported to be Friday, December 14th. It's likely he'll play in both the Cardinals and Bills games before missing any time, if his appeal is denied.
Walter Thurmond will start for Browner at left cormerback. The Seahawks also have Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell available. Marcus Trufant is attempting to return after injuring his hamstring against the Dolphins.
Head Coach Pete Carroll still can't comment directly on Browner's suspension, but says of Thurmond, "Walter can do everything that we ask our guys to do."
To beef up the secondary, the Seahawks signed cormerback Ron Parker off the Carolina Panthers' practice squad and CB DeShawn Shead from its own practice squad. Former Seahawks and Huskies cornerback Roy Lewis has also worked out for the Seahawks.
Browner has 44 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defended this season.
