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Seahawks' Thomas set to return vs. Panthers

Steven Bisig / USA TODAY Sports

The first sideline stint of Earl Thomas' career came and went in relatively short order.

After sitting out last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his only absence now six-plus years into his NFL career, the Seattle Seahawks' star safety will be back in action Sunday night against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Pete Carroll announced.

Thomas was initially diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain heading into Week 12. Missing three consecutive practices created some uncertainty as to whether he'd miss further time going forward, but he was a full participant for every team session this week.

Returning to his starting spot alongside Kam Chancellor, the five-time Pro Bowler's healthy presence once again gives Seattle the NFL's premier safety tandem.

Thomas enters the prime-time showdown, a rematch of last year's divisional-round playoff tilt, having recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defensed across 10 games.

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