Thursday night the Seattle Seahawks wrap up their preseason by taking on the Raiders in Oakland. The final preseason game tends to be less about the starters and more about those trying to grab one of the final spots on the roster. With that in mind, here’s five things to watch for in the game:
1) Does Thomas Rawls play?
Seattle’s presumptive No. 1 running back, who is coming back from an ankle injury that ended his 2015, has been operating at full speed at practice for two weeks now, and he took part in warm-ups following last week’s contest against Dallas. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has said Rawls will be ready for the season opener on Sept. 11 against Miami, but he was coy when asked if Rawls would play against Oakland. Will we get our first look at Rawls in action since last December, and do the Seahawks feel he needs any carries in preparation for the regular season?
2) How is J’Marcus Webb used?
Webb seems to be in contention for a starting spot at right tackle, or he could end up getting cut. Regardless, he should get his share of game time against Oakland as the Seahawks try to decide what to do with him. It’s still possible he could beat out Garry Gilliam for the starting spot at right tackle. We also saw him get some snaps with the first unit at left tackle last week, which suggests he’s being auditioned as the swing back-up. He didn’t play in Seattle’s first two preseason games because of a knee injury, so the Seahawks need to see him in action in order to make an evaluation.
3) Who emerges among the rookie running backs?
We’ll see plenty of rookies C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins and Troymaine Pope on Thursday. Prosise is a lock to make the team because of his ability to fill the third-down role, but he’ll get his first extended look of the preseason after missing the first two games with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Collins and Pope are likely battling for one roster spot. Collins has his ruggedness and his status as a draft pick on his side, while Pope has produced more in preseason games. Rawls probably made last season’s team with his performance in the final preseason game, one of Collins or Pope could follow suit against the Raiders.
4) How does Nolan Frese perform?
Frese, Seattle’s long snapper, is in a precarious position. The Seahawks already cycled through long snappers during the offseason before settling on the undrafted rookie. But Frese has been inconsistent with his snaps in games. Carroll said Frese has been dealing with a shoulder injury that affected his snaps, and now that the injury is healing he should be better. But if he has another substandard day at the office Seattle could be looking for a replacement.
5) Who stands out on special teams?
Those fighting for the final few spots on the 53-man roster likely are those who would make their living on special teams once the season begins. Therefore, they’ll have to show they can perform on special teams Thursday. While it’s hard to keep from watching the ball, watching those who are covering kickoffs and punts may provide the most insight on who may eventually make the team.
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