Great job reading the eyes of the QB!! Amazing closing speed by Earl Thomas!!! pic.twitter.com/TJMQzZ0qWu
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— WeAreDBnation (@WeAreDBNation1) December 5, 2016
Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas suffered a cracked tibia during Sunday night's 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers, and he will be out for the remainder of the season.
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Thomas is perhaps the most important player on the Seahawks' defense, and his absence will certainly be difficult for Seattle to overcome. However, the results of Thomas' injury could mean more to the Seahawks long term. Thomas tweeted during the game he is contemplating retirement.
This game has been so good to me no regrets.. A lot is running through my mind including retirement thanks for all the prayers.
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) December 5, 2016
Thomas, 27, has been first team All-Pro for each of the last four seasons. Thomas and Kam Chancellor are the best safety duo in the NFL, and Chancellor was actually involved with the injury. Thomas went to intercept a Cam Newton pass, and he and Chancellor collided. Thomas joked about the hit and injury on Twitter during the game.
Kam you owe me a steak . Haha
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) December 5, 2016
On the play immediately following Thomas' injury, Cam Newton hit Ted Ginn Jr. on a 55-yard touchdown pass.
.@CameronNewton's cannon + @TedGinnJr_19's speed = @Panthers TD!
55 YARDS. #CARvsSEA https://t.co/iMOceFQ19z
— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2016
The Seahawks are good enough elsewhere defensively to overcome Thomas' injury, but they won't be nearly as dynamic on defense without him prowling around at safety.
(h/t CBS Sports)