Like clockwork, Walter Thurmond is back with the Seattle Seahawks.
The team activated the cornerback Friday at the conclusion of his four-game suspension for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse (non-PED). In a related move, the Seahawks released cornerback Perrish Cox.
Thurmond will take over in the slot alongside Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell, taking away snaps from Jeremy Lane.
It's a boost for a Seattle defense getting used to the absence of Brandon Browner, who was suspended indefinitely by the league earlier this month for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Still, this stocked secondary hasn't skipped a beat. Stepping in for Browner, the previously untested Maxwell earned a nomination for NFC Defensive Player of the Week after notching two interceptions against Eli Manning and the Giants in Week 15.
Seattle still ranks first in passing defense and hasn't allowed 200 yards through the air since Week 11. Against the frisky Cardinalson Sunday, the Seahawks -- despite the loss -- harassed Carson Palmer into four interceptions on a day that saw Arizona throw for just 168 yards.
We break down all the Week 17 games on the latest "Around The League Podcast."