NFC Notes: Earl Thomas, Seahawks, Saints

Earl Thomas

• Regarding Seahawks S Earl Thomas‘ gesture towards the Seattle sideline, Mike Garafolo reports that the safety was “cordial” and spoke to members of the coaching staff and front office, including GM John Schneider.
• Garafolo adds that it is “not out of the realm of possibility” that Seattle uses the franchise tag on Thomas this offseason, which would cost them around $11 million.

Saints

• The Saints have ruled out WR Tedd Ginn Jr. (knee) from Monday Night’s game against the Redskins and list DE Trey Hendrickson (illness), LB Manti Te’o (knee), and C Cameron Tom (knee) as questionable.
• Saints activated RB Mark Ingram from the exempt list. (NFLTR)
• Saints released RB Mike Gillislee.

Seahawks

Seahawks TE Nick Vannett said he expects to continue in his pass-catching role, while TE George Fant will play in one running back, two tight end packages.

“We also have George Fant,” Vannett said, via Greg Bell of the News Tribune. “If we go ‘12’ personnel (one running back and two tight ends), we’ll probably have George Fant be the big tight end and me be in my usual (pass-catching and blocking) role.”