RENTON — Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Washington due to a strained hamstring.
Thomas got hurt in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 41-38 victory against Houston. Bradley McDougald will replace Thomas in the lineup against the Redskins.
“It just looks like we weren’t able to get enough done. He is out for this one,” coach Pete Carroll said Friday.
It’s just the sixth regular-season game Thomas has missed in his career. The 28-year-old Thomas missed five regular-season games and two playoff games for Seattle last season. A hamstring strain kept him out against Tampa Bay last season before a broken leg sidelined him for the rest of the year.
After hosting the Redskins on Sunday, the Seahawks have a short week before a road game against Arizona on Thursday night.
McDougald started 36 games over the last three seasons for the Buccaneers before signing with Seattle this offseason.
“My spirits have definitely been high since I’ve been here. I’m happy to be a part of this and I’ve been working to be a starter since I’ve been here so this is nothing different,” McDougald said.
McDougald has played in all seven games for Seattle and recorded 14 tackles.
“He is ready to play,” Carroll said. “He knows everything. He communicates beautifully with our guys. Has been on the field a lot so it really doesn’t feel like newness. You are going to miss Earl just because Earl is Earl but Bradley will do a really good job.”
Linebacker Bobby Wagner (hamstring), defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (oblique) and running back C.J. Prosise (ankle) are expected to be game-time decisions. Cornerback Jeremy Lane is listed as questionable, but isn’t expected to play due to a thigh contusion.
Safety Kam Chancellor is expected to play despite an ankle issue.
Tackle Duane Brown also is ready to play after three practices with the Seahawks. Brown was acquired this week in a trade with the Texans and will start at left tackle for Seattle.
“He looks good,” Carroll said. “He has had good work. He has had a lot of reps and they really have fitted together well, communicating well at this point so we have every reason to think that he is going to play good football.”
