Both of the Seahawks’ starting cornerbacks could be facing NFL suspensions for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Seahawks cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner are both facing four-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s PED policy. PFT has confirmed that both players are facing suspensions, and Mike Florio reports that the details on the players’ appeals have not been finalized: No appeals hearing has been held, and the timeframe for the appeals hearing hasn’t been determined. Both players will play at least until their appeals are resolved.
If the appeals are unsuccessful, that would be devastating to the Seahawks on the field -- and probably lethal to any hopes the Seahawks have of making the playoffs. Losing either starting cornerback would be a significant blow to Seattle’s defense. Losing both would be devastating.
Sherman and Browner would be replaced in the starting lineup, if they are suspended, by Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond.
There is no word on which banned substance Sherman and Browner are alleged to have taken.