Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas played against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX with a separated shoulder and a torn labrum.
The four-time All-Pro selection will undergo surgery which will likely rule him out for between six to eight months, according to NFL.com.
At best, Thomas's current recovery timetable would allow him to return in August, which would give him a chance of featuring in the pre-season schedule.
However, the rehabilitation process could be longer and so Thomas could be sidelined until October, which would force him to miss the start of the new campaign.
The Seahawks played with several injury issues at the Super Bowl, with Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Jeremy Lane also suffering setbacks.
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