As the Seahawks prepare to host the 49ers on Sunday night, the home team most likely can count on the presence of one of their best defensive players in the lineup.
Cornerback Richard Sherman, whose appeal on a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy regarding performance-enhancing drugs was heard on Friday, is expected to play.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello advises that it’s indeed “safe to say” Sherman will play, given that the league office has received no indication from the hearing officer that a ruling is imminent.
If any decision were coming before Sunday night’s game, it likely would have come on Saturday. This would have given the Seahawks a fair chance to activate a player from the practice squad to replace Sherman in the lineup.
Under league rules, a decision is required within five days after the hearing.