RENTON, Wash. -- Backup wide receiver Bryan Walters will return punts for the Seattle Seahawks starting this Sunday at San Diego, replacing starting safety Earl Thomas.
Coach Pete Carroll made the announcement at his Wednesday press conference.
"This is an opportunity for (Earl) to really focus more on where we need him the most," said Carroll. "The thing that I love about Earl is that he wants to do it so badly and that's such an important factor usually for the punt returners that they want to really get out there and go do it."
Carroll said Walters has a history returning punts and added that he has "great hands and great decision making." Carroll also said receiver Doug Baldwin will be brought in for punt return duty.
The punt return position has been in flux with the offseason departure of Golden Tate.
Thomas muffed a punt early in last week's season-opening win against the Green Bay Packers. A Packers player was blocked into Thomas as he was trying to catch the ball, causing him to fumble. The Packers recovered at the Seahawks' 34-yard line and later scored a touchdown.
Carroll also said Marcus Bailey will play nickel in place of Jeremy Lane, who was placed on short-term injured reserve with a groin injury.
