SEATTLE -- When Earl Thomas spoke publicly for the first time upon returning from his holdout, he said all he can do is put the best version of himself on display and "protect myself until I do get paid."
He's done the former through the Seattle Seahawks' three games and is intent on doing the latter, no matter the cost. That became apparent Sunday as Thomas cleared up the mystery about his absences from two practices earlier that week, saying he voluntarily skipped them because he's prioritizing his health above all else and that he's expecting a fine from the team because of it.