Seahawks coach Pete Carroll: Earl Thomas is top punt returner

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that safety Earl Thomas will be the team's primary punt returner. Thomas is listed as the No. 1 punt returner on Seattle's depth chart.

Thomas, who is entering his fourth season with the Seahawks, has never returned a punt in an NFL regular-season game but did return four punts for an average of 14.5 yardsover two seasons at Texas. Thomas returned four punts for 68 yards in the preseason.

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The three-time Pro Bowler and four-year starter recorded 78 tackles and five interceptions while leading the Seahawks to a 13-3 record in 2013. This offseason, Thomas signed a four-year contract extension reportedly worth $40 million, making him the highest-paid player at his position.

Seattle opens the season Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.

And in case there was doubt, Carroll says Earl Thomas will be the number one punt returner.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) September 1, 2014

- Chris Johnson