The Seattle Seahawks' playoff prospects brightened Thursday with news that cornerback Richard Sherman has apparently avoided a four-game suspension.

Sherman, arguably the Seahawks' best defensive player, faced a potential four-game ban for allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs. Sherman appealed the suspension and on Thursday, Sherman tweeted that he had prevailed.

The ruling means Sherman will play against the St. Louis Rams in Week 17.

More importantly, it means Seattle will have both its starting cornerbacks for the playoffs. Brandon Browner, a Pro Bowl choice in 2011, returns from a four-game suspension next week. His size and physical style have proved disruptive for opposing offenses. Sherman is also aggressive. Together, they provide Seattle with a unique duo of corners. Both are 6-foot-3 or taller, and both are eager to challenge receivers.

The NFL has not announced its decision in the Sherman case.

Sherman has seven interceptions and one sack this season. He has another 14 passes defended, according to charting from ESPN Stats & Information. The total of those pass disruptions (22) ranks second in the NFL behind Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who has 35 (20.5 sacks, 15 passes defended).

Seattle has gone 3-0 and outscored its opponents by a 150-30 combined score without Browner. Sherman has three interceptions and two touchdowns during that span. He scored on an interception against Arizona and another on a blocked field goal against San Francisco.

Sherman was a first alternate in Pro Bowl voting conducted last week.