Earl Thomas’ season is over thanks to a broken leg

Earl Thomas’ 2016 season is over.

On Monday, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed his All-Pro safety will miss the rest of the year due to a left leg fracture suffered in a 40-7 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

The next day, Thomas was placed on injured reserve. The Seahawks signed Jeron Johnson to help fill the void at safety. Johnson played for Seattle from 2011-14 and appeared in 46 games.

Thomas was hurt Sunday nearly in the second quarter when he leaped in the air to catch an interception. While in the air, his leg collided with Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor’s leg. Thomas fell to the ground and was in serious pain. He tried to get off the turf but couldn’t.

The trainers had to help him off the field, and he was carted to the locker room to undergo an X-ray. The results showed that he suffered a fractured left leg.

Moments later, Thomas shared his thoughts about the injury on Twitter.

Indeed, Thomas is arguably the heart and soul of that ferocious Seattle defense. He is a player who can deliver big hits and cover tight ends and receivers. The Seahawks still have one of the best front sevens in all of football, but the loss of their star free safety will affect the team’s secondary.

Seattle has struggled this season when missing members of its vaunted secondary.

The Seahawks are currently atop of the NFC West at 8-3-1. They are in perfect position to clinch a playoff spot. They’ll face Aaron Rodgers and a dangerous Packers offense in a Week 14 matchup against Green Bay.