Earl Thomas sends out Instagram photo from his labrum surgery



SEATTLE -- Seahawks safety Earl Thomas could miss the start of the 2015 NFL season as he recovers from shoulder surgery, multiple sources reported.

Thomas underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn labrum that caused a shoulder dislocation this past season. The rehab for the surgery is often six to eight months, according to Ed Werder of ESPNWerder, saying that could mean Thomas would miss start of 2015 season.



A labrum tear is an injury often seen in MLB pitchers. According to John Hopkins University studies, the length of recovery time depends upon many factors, such as where the tear was located and how good the surgical repair was.

In a worst-case scenario recovery time, Thomas would come back in October, meaning he would miss several games at the start of the season.



Thomas is one of the stars of the Seahawks defense and the Legion of Boom, combining for 97 tackles and one interception in the 2014 season. His absence for multiple games could hurt the Seahawks chances at another playoff run.