Seahawks Hopeful of Getting Earl Thomas, DeShawn Shead Back

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks are hopeful starters Earl Thomas and DeShawn Shead will return for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Thomas and Shead were expected to practice. Both players suffered hamstring injuries two weeks ago in a win over Philadelphia and missed last Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Shead is considered to be ahead of Thomas in the recovery process and Carroll said the status of both likely won't be determined until Saturday.

Seattle could have a number of injured players back against the Panthers, including defensive end Michael Bennett following minor knee surgery and starting center Justin Britt. The Seahawks will be making a change at right tackle with Bradley Sowell stepping in as the starter in place of Garry Gilliam.