BRADY HENDERSON

Seahawks bring back Jeron Johnson, waive George Farmer

Dec 6, 2016, 3:17 PM | Updated: 3:23 pm

Jeron Johnson spent his first four seasons with Seattle after joining the team as an undrafted rook...

Jeron Johnson spent his first four seasons with Seattle after joining the team as an undrafted rookie in 2011. (AP)

(AP)

After losing Earl Thomas for the remainder of the season, the Seahawks have added some depth at safety by bringing back Jeron Johnson, who was with the team from 2011 to 2014.

The Seahawks announced that move and three others Tuesday. Thomas was placed on Injured Reserve, a formality after coach Pete Carroll said a day earlier that his broken leg will keep him from playing again this season. Seattle also waived running back George Farmer to make room for fullback Marcel Reece, who’s signing was reported on Monday.

Johnson, 28, returns to the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2011. He was primarily a special-teams player during his four seasons with the Seahawks and made one start for Kam Chancellor at strong safety in 2014. He also backed up Thomas at free safety.

He’s presumably returning as a backup. Carroll has said Steven Terrell will start at free safety, where he’s played the last games weeks in relief of Thomas. Terrell stepped in against Philadelphia when Thomas suffered a strained hamstring that kept him out the following week in Tampa Bay. He stepped in again Sunday night against Carolina when Thomas broke his tibia in the second quarter.

Johnson signed a two-year deal with Washington in 2015 but was released after one season. He was with Kansas City this past training camp but didn’t make the team.

#HomeSweetHome,” Johnson tweeted after the Seahawks announced his signing.

Reece, 31, is a former Husky and a four-time Pro Bowl selection with Oakland, where he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. His addition comes with fullback Will Tukuafu going through concussion protocol this week after leaving Sunday night’s game with a concussion.

Farmer played in the last two games, mainly on third down and in two-minute situations. He was promoted from the practice squad after Seattle lost C.J. Prosise to a broken shoulder blade and Troymaine Pope to an ankle injury that sidelined him the following week.

Waiving Farmer leaves the Seahawks with three tailbacks on their 53-man roster – Thomas Rawls, Pope and Alex Collins – but Reece could factor into Seattle’s backfield as more than just a blocker. He played receiver at Washington and has been a prolific receiving threat over his NFL career, catching 205 passes for 2,015 yards and 12 touchdowns.

As noted by the Seahawks, undrafted free agents now make up more than half of their 53-man roster as the additions of Johnson and Reece bring that total to 27. And with Thomas on IR, rookie right guard Germain Ifefi is the only first-round pick.

The Seahawks also made two moves with their practice squad. Former Husky wide receiver Kevin Smith was released and Seattle signed defensive tackle Shaneil Jenkins, an undrafted rookie.

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Seahawks bring back Jeron Johnson, waive George Farmer