Sherman insists he’s innocent (AP)

One of the big reasons the Seahawks are still in the playoff hunt this year is because their defense ranks fifth in the NFL. One of the reasons their defense is so good is because their secondary is one of the best units in the league.

But that defense is in danger of losing its cornerbacks, Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner, to four-game suspensions for violating the league’s rule on performance-enhancing drugs, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has confirmed.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sherman and Browner insist they are innocent and are appealing the suspensions. Schefter writes that those appeals could occur this week.

More from USA Today’s Mike Garafolo:



Adderall continues to play a big role in taking down key players. Last week, Falcons reserve lineman Joe Hawley accepted his four-game suspension for using it, and Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib and Buccaneers cornerback Eric Wright also have tested positive for Adderall this season.

If Sherman and Browner both lose their appeals, Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond likely would replace them at the cornerback spots for Seattle. And the Seahawks defense probably wouldn’t remain in the top five for much longer.

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