Suspensions rock Seattle defense

RENTON – Seahawks coach Pete Carroll used some form of the word “disappointed’’ five times when he met with the media Tuesday for the first time since news broke of the suspensions of Seahawks cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Brandon Browner.

But Carroll also said the suspensions don’t indicate any significant holes in how the organization is run, and he isn’t worried it will distract a team that has the best record in the NFL at 10-1 as it prepares for a Monday night showdown against 9-2 New Orleans.

“There’s a lot of guys in this program and I don’t know that we can expect to be perfect,’’ Carroll said. “We’d like to be, but that isn’t the case. So it’s a big challenge for these guys to do right …

“It doesn’t always work out that way. So what it does is present opportunities for other guys.”

Carroll talked specifically only about the Thurmond suspension, as it was officially announced by the NFL shortly before the team took the field Tuesday. Thurmond will be suspended for the next four games and can return to the team on Dec. 23. Seattle announced the signing of free agent Perrish Cox, who was waived by the 49ers this month.

But Carroll essentially confirmed that a move will be made soon that will take Browner off the active roster when he said DeShawn Shead will be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.

Browner’s appeal of what reportedly is a possible one-year suspension has not been heard. Thurmond and Browner allegedly violated the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, for using marijuana.

Shead and Cox would give Seattle five healthy cornerbacks on its active roster – joining Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell – against a Saints passing attack ranked No. 2.

Former Seahawk Marcus Trufant also worked out for the Seahawks on Monday, and the team has contacted Antoine Winfield, who was cut in August. Carroll indicated no other move is forthcoming, saying “we are back to full numbers.’’

Notes

Carroll also said WR Percy Harvin was held out of practice Tuesday and called him day to day. … Carroll said WR Jermaine Kearse was back from the concussion he suffered against the Vikings. … The team added to its overall cornerback depth by signing Akeem Auguste to the practice squad and releasing TE Cooper Helfet. Auguste played at South Carolina and was released by the Browns in August.