Will Sherman play or will he sit?

ERIC D. WILLIAMS

RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks should know the status of cornerback Richard Sherman later this week.

According to an ESPN report, a decision on Sherman’s appeal is expected by Thursday.

Sherman is contesting a four-game suspension levied by the league for his alleged violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

Sherman and his representatives argued that his tested urine sample was contaminated as a result of a second cup.

“There were mistakes made by the tester,” Sherman told reporters after the game on Sunday. “The league’s argument was that they are allowed to make mistakes, and they are allowed to break the rules. They can get away with it.

“It’s up to them. The appeal officer is paid by the league, so if it goes their way, that’s what it is. It’s not an even playing field in that appeal room.”

While Sherman awaits a decision, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the depth at cornerback continues to improve.

Veteran Marcus Trufant is expected to return to practice on Wednesday after missing four consecutive games with a hamstring injury.

The news is not as good for Walter Thurmond, who likely will not practice on Wednesday, according to Carroll. Thurmond has missed the last two games also with a hamstring problem.

Seattle’s other starting cornerback, Brandon Browner, is expected to return to the team on Monday after serving the final contest of a four-game suspension this Sunday against St. Louis for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

However, in the absence of Browner, Trufant and Thurmond, Carroll has been pleased with the play of young cornerbacks Jeremy Lane, Byron Maxwell and Ron Parker.

Lane, a sixth-round selection in this year’s draft, has started the past two games in place of Browner.

“They’re getting more comfortable, so that’s always a positive thing,” Carroll said. “There were times where it was just Jeremy out there guarding Randy Moss and there is nobody out there helping, and again down on the goal line.

“Then Byron Maxwell had to guard him, then Ron Parker. And to those young guys that means a lot to them, and they held up so I’m really happy for them.”

EXTRA POINTS

The Seahawks announced Monday that they have signed rookie safety Winston Guy from the exempt list to the active roster. Guy missed four games after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, and one when he was on the reserve/exempt list. The Seahawks released receiver Deon Butler to make room on the active roster. The Seahawks signed Butler on Dec. 15 after the team placed wide receiver Charly Martin on injured reserve (calf). A third-round pick out of Penn State by the Seahawks in 2009, Butler was one of the final roster cuts in training camp this year. Butler had tryouts with the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans, but never latched on with anyone after Seattle cut him. ... Carroll said linebackers Leroy Hill and Malcolm Smith have injuries this week worth monitoring. Hill has a hamstring problem, and Smith has a groin injury. If both are unavailable Sunday, then Mike Morgan would play weak side outside linebacker.

Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 eric.williams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks @eric_d_williams