Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is likely to get fined by the team for missing a couple of practices for personal reasons ahead of their game against the Dallas Cowboys.

On Sunday, Thomas made clear what his reasons were for skipping practice: He’s protecting his investment in himself, even if it means paying the team’s fines.

“I need to make sure my body is 100,” Thomas said per Brady Henderson of ESPN. “I'm invested in myself. If they was invested in me, I would be out there practicing. But if I feel like anything — I don't give a damn if it's small, I've got a headache — I'm not practicing. But I don't want that to be taken the wrong way. I know I'm going to get fined. But that's just where I'm at with that.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) can’t hang on to a pass in the end zone as he is defended by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (25) in the first half at SoFi Stadium.
When Steelers WR DK Metcalf will face Seahawks for first time
Jordan Hudson, Bill Belichick and the logo for the University of North Carolina
Where Jordon Hudson, ‘Girlfriend-Gate’ ranks among Bill Belichick scandals
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans returns to the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Texans claim 2025 UDFA from Seahawks

Thomas, who is in the final year of his contract, decided against the Le'Veon Bell route as he opted to end his holdout and play. That's despite him taking a risk of injury every time he steps on the field. But it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to take any further risks in practice, where he could still get hurt if he's not participating despite not feeling 100 percent right.

To Thomas’ credit, he showed that he doesn’t need to practice to play well. He had a pair of interceptions to help the Seahawks claim their first win of the season over the Cowboys.

Unless the Seahawks decide to finally trade Thomas, this is likely the situation they’ll have to deal with regarding their star safety. After the “disrespect” Thomas felt he received this offseason, he apparently isn't afraid to throw some back, regardless of the financial cost, in order to help protect his long-term future.