Seattle Seahawks defensive back Earl Thomas has revealed that he was delighted to return for the first time since January after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The 26-year-old sustained the problem during his side's NFC championship win over the Green Bay Packers, but played through the pain barrier during the Super Bowl.
Thomas underwent surgery for a torn labrum after the Seahawks' defeat to the New England Patriots which was expected to rule him out for eight months.
However, he has now returned to the practice field and could come into contention to start in week one of the 2015 season.
"I'm just happy that I got a chance to go out there today," Thomas told reporters. "My teammates were happy that I was out there and it just felt good to run around."
Thomas recorded 97 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception last season.
