Thomas, Bennett expected to be back in Seahawks lineup

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans. (Butch Dill/AP)

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks are expected to get at least six players back from injury this week, including safety Earl Thomas, defensive end Michael Bennett and centre Justin Britt.

Also expected back in the lineup for Seattle are cornerback DeShawn Shead, linebacker Mike Morgan and backup running back Troymaine Pope.

Thomas, Shead and Britt were not listed on the team’s final injury report of the week. Thomas and Shead each missed last week’s game against Tampa Bay due to hamstring strains. Britt was out due to a sprained ankle.

Bennett has missed the last five games after having knee surgery in early November. Though Bennett was listed as questionable, head coach Pete Carroll expected Bennett to play.

"(Bennett) did fine," Carroll said. "We rested him a little bit today just to make sure we don’t overdo him in back-to-back days so he’ll be ready to play."

Pope is also listed as questionable but Carroll said he’s ready to go as well. Pope missed last week’s game against the Buccaneers with a high-ankle sprain.

Morgan is set to return after missing seven games while on injured reserve following sports hernia surgery. Seattle will need to make a roster move to clear a spot for Morgan on their 53-man roster by 1 p.m. PST Saturday.

Running back C.J. Prosise (fractured scapula), receiver Paul Richardson (hamstring) and linebackers Brock Coyle (foot) and Jordan Tripp (thigh) are out. Tight end Luke Willson (knee) and defensive end Damontre Moore (foot contusion) are questionable.

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