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Report: Seahawks Cornerbacks Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner Suspended Four Games for Violating NFL’s PED Policy

The Seahawks’ playoff chances may have taken a nosedive on Sunday, and it has nothing to do with their 24-21 loss to the Dolphins.

The Seahawks lost both of their 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 are centerpieces in Seattle’s impressive young defense.

Browner made the Pro Bowl last season, while Sherman was regarded as one of the emerging shutdown corners in the NFL. Both defensive backs are over 6-foot-3, and weigh over 200 pounds. Sherman and Browner are appealing the NFL’s suspension and “insist they are innocent,” according to Schefter.

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 “Megatron” Calvin Johnson, and called the Lions’ wide receiver a “non-factor” after the Seahawks-Lions game, despite a Seattle loss.

As the NFC playoff picture currently stands, the 6-5 Seahawks are in the hunt for the second NFC wild-card spot.