National Football League

Report: Seattle DBs face suspension

Published Nov. 25, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Seahawks’ playoff chances may have taken a nosedive on Sunday, and not just because of their 24-21 loss to the Dolphins.

The Seahawks are facing the loss of both starting cornerbacks, Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner, for four games apiece for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The two physical cornerbacks, centerpieces of the Seahawks’ impressive young defense, are appealing and “insist they are innocent,” according to Schefter.

The Seahawks said they ''are aware'' of a report in a short statement issued late Sunday. Shortly after returning to Seattle, Sherman posted on his Twitter account, ''This is issue will be resolved soon and the truth will come out. Not worried.''

Browner made the Pro Bowl last season, while Sherman is regarded as one of the emerging shutdown corners in the NFL. Sherman made headlines after the Seahawks’ Week 6 win over the Patriots when he taunted Tom Brady via Twitter and called the Patriots’ offense a “gimmick.” He recently changed his Twitter name to “Optimus Prime” before facing off against Calvin “Megatron” Johnson and called the Lions’ star receiver a “non-factor” after the game, despite a Seattle loss.

Both played Sunday, combining for four tackles as the Seahawks gave up 17 fourth-quarter points in a loss that could damage Seattle's playoff hopes. As the NFC playoff picture currently stands, at 6-5 the Seahawks are in the hunt for the second NFC wild-card spot.