Earl Thomas returns to practice on Wednesday, Seahawks granted roster exemption

Following a lengthy holdout, Earl Thomas reported to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday morning.

Later that morning, Pete Carroll told reporters “We’ll let you know,” regarding Thomas’s status for Sunday in Denver against the Broncos.

And by Wednesday afternoon, Thomas was back on the field at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, practicing in full pads with his Seahawks teammates once again.

Although it will still be a few days until we know whether Thomas will suit up for Seattle on Sunday or not, Wednesday was a big, unexpected step forward as the Seahawks and Thomas move towards getting him back on the field.

The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta later confirmed the NFL has granted Seattle a roster exemption for Thomas. The exemption allows Thomas to practice with the Seahawks without counting towards the 53-man roster. When Thomas is added to the active roster, Seattle will have to waive someone else to make room.

In order to play against the Broncos, Thomas would have to be added to the 53 by Saturday. Regardless of whether Thomas plays in Denver or not, he’s back on the practice field with his Seahawks teammates, and that seemed so far away as recently as Wednesday morning.