Seattle Seahawks injury report week 13: Carolina vs. Seattle

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates after breaking up a pass play in the fourth quarter in a game against the Buffalo Bills at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates after breaking up a pass play in the fourth quarter in a game against the Buffalo Bills at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Earl Thomas and Deshawn Shead are slated to return to the Seahawks all-star defense according to the Week 13 Seahawks injury report.

There is no question about it. When the Legion of Boom starters are on the field, there is a difference in the game. This week, the Seahawks are expecting them full strength.

Earl Thomas missed the first game in his career last week against Tampa Bay with a hamstring injury. Although coaches praised Steven Terrell for stepping in and playing well, there seemed to be less punch in the backfield. Thomas, whom many consider the best safety in the league, is difficult to replace.

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Brock Coyle (52) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) react to a play in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Brock Coyle (52) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) react to a play in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Deshawn Shead, whom also had a hamstring injury, will also return to his starting spot. Shead was limited in practice all week, but head coach Pete Carroll said he is ready to go.

Four players are listed as questionable for this week. TE Luke Willson and DE Michael Bennett are both still coming back from knee injuries. However Bennett was able to practice this week and has a stronger possibility to play.

Also questionable for this week are DE Damontre Moore and RB Troymaine Pope. Carroll said Pope will play this week. Moore has been battling a foot injury and Pope had a high ankle sprain.

Four players are ruled out for the game against Carolina. RB C.J. Prosise will be out for “a while” with a shoulder injury. OLB’s Brock Coyle (foot) and Jordan Tripp (thigh) are both out this week, hoping to return soon.

The only surprise this week was WR Paul Richardson. Richardson is ruled out for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Carroll said it was an on going issue, although Richardson was able to finish the Tampa Bay game. Richardson has had a history of hamstring injuries, missing games last year due to the injury.

Next: Why Tyler Lockett has disappeared in Seattle's offense

On the visitors side, Carolina will be without LB Luke Kuechly and SS Kurt Coleman on Sunday. Both players are in the NFL concussion protocol. This is a big hit to the Panthers as their defense has always been one of the strongest units on the team.