Richard Sherman's appeal of a four-game suspension was heard Friday, but Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll expects to have his standout cornerback Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
"I'm anticipating we'll have him," Carroll said, via USA Today. "We know nothing else at this point."
Sherman missed the last two days of practice to travel to New York for the appeal hearing with NFL officials. Carroll said Sherman was provided with materials to help him prepare for the game that could decide the NFC West champion.
The NFL hit Sherman and fellow Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner with four-game suspensions last month for testing positive for Adderall. Both appealed the punishment, though Browner changed his mind and began to serve his ban in Week 14. He is eligible to return for the start of the playoffs should the 9-5 Seahawks advance.
If Sherman doesn't play against the 49ers, the Seahawks could have significant depth concerns in their secondary. Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond both practiced Friday, but they are game-time decisions because of hamstring injuries.
If Sherman's four-game ban begins in Week 17, his season will be over unless the Seahawks advance to the Super Bowl. Sherman is confident the appeal will yield a favorable outcome, however.
UPDATE: Sherman tweeted Friday night that he "will be out there with my teammates Sunday."
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
