Richard Sherman appeal date reportedly moved back

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman's appeal of his four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy has been pushed back to some time beyond its original Dec. 14 date, according to reports early Sunday morning.

According to Adam Schefter, Sherman, who according to reports tested positive for Adderall, will see his appeal process move to an undetermined date closer to the end of the season.

With the season coming to an end and the Seahawks holding on to playoff hopes, the push back of the appeal allows Sherman to continue to play during the final playoff push. The second-year cornerback has helped the Seahawks claim the fifth-best pass defense in the NFL this season.

Keeping Sherman in the lineup could prove crucial for the Seahawks (7-5) as they make their final push toward a spot in the NFC's playoffs. If the season ended today, the Seahawks would claim the league's second Wild Card spot and would be matched up with the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round.

This post originally appeared on SB Nation.