Earl Thomas Injury: Updates on Seahawks Star's Shoulder and Recovery

Three-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas is set to undergo surgery for a fully torn labrum on Feb. 24. He is expected to return prior to the start of next season.

Continue for updates.

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Pete Carroll Says Thomas Will be Ready for Season

Friday, March 13

Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reported from Carroll that Thomas "absolutely" will be ready for the start of next season.

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Thomas Speaks on Recovery Timetable

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Ed Werder of ESPN spoke to Thomas about his timetable for recovery, saying: "When I'm ready, then I will be ready to play."

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Thomas Undergoes Surgery, Will Miss 6-8 Months

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Werder reported that Thomas had surgery on his shoulder on Tuesday. Thomas posted an Instagram photo of himself in surgery: 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Thomas is expected to be ready to play when the regular season begins:

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Despite the reported range of six-to-eight months that Seahawks safety Earl Thomas will need to recover from shoulder surgery that occurred today, a source with knowledge of the situation makes it clear that Thomas will be ready closer to the front end of that period.

Per the source, there’s “no doubt” Thomas will be ready to play when the 2015 regular season begins less than 6.5 months from now.

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Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Feb. 5 that Thomas would undergo surgery on a fully torn labrum, but noted that he would be healthy by training camp. 

On Feb. 2, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that Thomas would likely need offseason surgery to repair his injured shoulder. Rapoport reported he will be out 6-8 months.

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Thomas Active vs. Patriots

Sunday, Feb. 1

The Patriots confirmed that Thomas is active for Sunday's game:

David J. Chao weighed in on Thomas's injury and how it will impact his play:

On Friday, Jan. 30, Jeff Howe of the Boston Globe reported Thomas is probable for the Super Bowl.

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Thomas' Injury Reportedly More Concerning Than Sherman's

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Bleacher Report injury expert Will Carroll broke down Thomas' injury and noted why it's more concerning than fellow corner Richard Sherman's elbow injury:

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Thomas Comments on Missing Practice

Sunday, Jan. 25

Gregg Bell of The News Tribune provided comments from Thomas about missing practice time:

Thomas sounded confident when talking about how his shoulder is feeling via Barry Wilner of the Associated Press via SeattlePI.com:

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Seahawks All-Pro safety Earl Thomas pronounced his separated left shoulder "pretty good" when the team arrived Sunday for the Super Bowl.

(...)

Thomas also promised he was "still fearless" and that tackling the likes of star tight end Rob Gronkowski will be a challenge he will meet.

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On Saturday, head coach Pete Carroll spoke about Thomas' injury, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

"It’s over. It’s over, really," Carroll said. "It was two days of him being very uncomfortable with the setting and it’s over now.  He was back in action and in full flow today."

The Seahawks previously passed along Carroll's take on both Thomas and Richard Sherman's injuries on Friday:

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Thomas Limited on Friday After Missing Two Straight Practices

Friday, Jan. 23

John Boyle of The Everett Herald reports Thomas was a limited participant at Friday's practice.

Gregg Bell of the News Tribune reported Thomas did not practice Thursday. Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times previously reported Thomas was out of action on Wednesday as well.

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Thomas Expected to Be Ready for Super Bowl

Monday, Jan. 19

ESPN's Adam Schefter shared a tweet he received regarding Earl Thomas' outlook ahead of the Super Bowl:

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Thomas Leaves Game with Shoulder Injury, Returns to Field

Sunday, Jan. 18   

Thomas exited the NFC Championship Game against the Packers due to a shoulder injury, but he was able to return.

Following the game, ESPN's John Clayton reported Thomas would undergo an MRI Monday. Clayton also provided a statement from Thomas discussing the injury:

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Thomas suffered a shoulder injury in the first half, but said he didn't know if he suffered a shoulder subluxation. Thomas had to go into the training room and put his shoulder in a harness. Once the harness was in place, Thomas was able to return and play the rest of the game.

'I know who I am, I'm a warrior, bro,' Thomas said. 'If I can play I don't care if I can't function really well. I know if I can help the team I'm going to be in there.'

[...]

'Everybody on the team knows who I am,' Thomas said. 'I'm a man, man.'

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Pete Carroll was also asked about Thomas' injury, as well as teammate Richard Sherman, via ESPN's Ed Werder:

Prior to the season, Thomas divulged that he believed he was the most important player on the defense, per Robert Klemko of Sports Illustrated: “Just because they ask the free safety to do a lot. You have to be aware of every situation and be a great communicator, like a quarterback.”

Given his athleticism on the field and leadership in all aspects, losing Thomas for any period of time might be tough for the Seahawks.

Luckily for Seattle, Thomas was able to return, and his injury does not appear to be serious.

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