Getty Images

Brandon Browner may ultimately be unable to play again for the Seattle Seahawks this season. However, it appears as though his health won’t be the reason that keeps him sidelined.

Browner returned to practice for the Seahawks on Wednesday after missing the last two games due to a groin injury. Browner came up lame in a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. He’s been unable to work with the team the last three weeks because of the injury that Pete Carroll initially labeled as “serious.”

Carroll indicated Browner would likely be out at least four-to-six weeks due to the injury. However, Browner has responded much faster than the team anticipated.

“It was in a place that we found out he could recover quickly so he’s come back much faster than we thought,” Carroll said. “We thought he would be out a solid six weeks when it happened so he’s just responded tremendously.”

Browner was limited in his first practice back with the team. Carroll said he’s unsure at this point whether Browner has a chance to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers in a game that could clinch the NFC West for Seattle. However, reserves Byron Maxwell and Jeremy Lane stepped up and played well last week against the New Orleans Saints and are trusted to carry the load if necessary.

“We’re really excited because I know they’ll be more comfortable and they’ll continue to grow with the opportunity, so we’re in good shape there,” Carroll said.

Browner still may not play another game for Seattle this season. He’s awaiting a decision on an appeal of a possible suspension for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. The Seahawks are left waiting to hear a ruling on the appeal to see if Browner will be able to be a part of their playoff run in January.

“I don’t know any more than you guys know. So we’ll see what happens,” Carroll said.