Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman missed practice Thursday and again Friday in order to travel from Seattle to New York to be present at his appeals hearing at the league office, an NFL source said Friday.
He faces a four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy after testing positive for what sources said was Adderall.
The Seahawks do not expect a ruling until next week.
Although Sherman likely can play in the Seahawks' NFC West showdown Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers, he hasn't had a normal week of preparation for the team's first meeting against Colin Kaepernick.
Coach Pete Carroll said after practice Friday he expects Sherman to play against the 49ers.
"I anticipate we'll have him. I know of nothing else," Carroll said.
The Seahawks also could have cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Marcus Trufant returning Sunday after both practiced Friday. Each have hamstring injuries, and Carroll said their status would be decided after pregame workouts Sunday.
Wide receiver Sidney Rice has a sore knee and will work out before the game. Carroll expects him to play, too.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.