Brandon Browner Starts His Suspension Immediately and More NFC West News

Two days ago, we found out that cornerback Richard Sherman's appeal date is set for December 14th. If his impending suspension is upheld, he will miss the final two regular season games and the first two playoff games if the Seahawks do indeed make it that far.

Fellow cornerback Brandon Browner has decided to forgo the appeal process and start his suspension immediately. By doing so, he will be able to return for the first round of the playoffs. I've said it all along, but I feel this is the best approach, as the suspensions will be staggered.

"

NFL announced that Seahawks CB Brandon Browner suspended four games without pay, effective immediately.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2012"

By staggering the suspensions, it means the Seahawks secondary won't be completely bare of either player's presence at one time. Regardless, Seattle has players who are more than capable of stepping up in the cornerback duo's absence.

By the sounds of it, Walter Thurmond will start for Browner for the rest of the season, and with Marcus Trufant out due to injury, Jeremy Lane will man the slot. Even with big changes coming at two key positions in the defensive backfield, Pete Carroll is confident that both of the fresh faces will get the job done.

"

Thurmond will step up. He's started for us in the past. Lane will get first shot as extra corner. Tru is rehabbing - Pete Carroll #Seahawks

— Q Smith (@NWSBQ) December 5, 2012"

People forget that Thurmond was ahead of Sherman on the depth chart last year before he got injured, so there's no question the organization has a lot of faith in him. Over the course of the next four games, Seattle will take on John Skelton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colin Kaepernick and Sam Bradford.

Yeah, they should be fine as they cling to the No. 6 playoff seed in the NFC.

Arizona Cardinals

Kareem Copeland of NFL.com reports on John Skelton being named the starter in Arizona once again.

Shaun M. Church of Bleacher Report suggests the Cardinals offensive line proves coaching is the biggest issue in 2012.

San Francisco 49ers

Dylan DeSimone of NinersNation.com talks to Justin Smith and gets him to talk out about pass-rushing phenomenon Aldon Smith.

Brandon Burnett of Bleacher Report tells us why the 49ers' rookies will now see playing time in Week 14.

Seattle Seahawks

Nick Eaton of SeattlePi.com begs the question: Will losing Browner and Sherman doom the Seahawks?

Brandon Alisoglu of Bleacher Report previews the Cardinals' upcoming road trip to Seattle.

St. Louis Rams

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams mission in Week 14 will be to stop the run.

The Bleacher Report debate focuses in on the Rams and who needs to step up if they do indeed want to make the playoffs.