The Sports Xchange

Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas participated in practice on Tuesday, the first time he has practiced with the team since his February shoulder surgery.

Thomas only participated in non-contact drills, so it was just the first step in his recovery. It is still unclear whether he will be ready to play in the regular-season opener.

He was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Aug. 5.

“It’s been very tough,” Thomas told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after practice. “A lot of negative thoughts in my mind. You know, I was debating if I still loved it at one point, but being out here today, it reassured me that I loved it. I just need to be out here. I just need to be involved.”