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Pete Carroll takes Earl Thomas off punt returns

Published: Sep 10, 2014 at 09:25 AM

Rosenthal_Gregg

Gregg Rosenthal

NFL Daily Host

Pete Carroll has heard your complaints. Earl Thomas will no longer be the team's primary punt returner.

The Seahawks coach announced Wednesday that Bryan Walters will be returning punts this week. Thomas and Doug Baldwin will still be in the mix, but Carroll said it would benefit the team to have Thomas fully focused on defense.

We don't doubt that Thomas has explosive traits with the ball that work as a punt returner. But risking the health of your best player when he's not a natural at the position always seemed curious. Thomas did a poor job last week, fumbling one punt, and taking an unnecessary risk on another punt return.

Now Thomas can go back to just handling his business as the best center field safety in the league.

The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" makes some bold predictions about the 2014 season and backs them up by putting some sandwiches on the line.

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