Russell Wilson on reports of wedding being moved due to HB2

Reports surfaced earlier this week that Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and pop star Ciara moved the location of their wedding from North Carolina to England because of North Carolina’s controversial HB2 transgender bathroom law, which requires people to use the restroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate. The law has been criticized as being anti-LGBT, with some corporations and artists either choosing or threatening not to business in North Carolina unless the law is repealed. For example, the NBA pulled the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte because of HB2.

Here’s what Wilson said when asked about it Wednesday in advance of the Seahawks’ preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys:

“I just believe Jesus loves all people. That’s honestly what I believe. I just always constantly pray for world peace, I pray for peace in the world, I pray for joy. But my focus honestly right now is just on the Cowboys and scoring in the red zone.”

As for Thursday’s game against Dallas, Seattle coach Pete Carroll provided some updates on the health of players. The most significant revelation was about running back Thomas Rawls. Rawls is coming back from a broken ankle and ligament damage that ended his 2015 season and kept him out throughout the offseason. However, Rawls is back practicing at full speed, and while Rawls won’t play Thursday, Carroll said, “I have no hesitation telling you he’s going to play in the opener.”

So Seattle will have its projected No. 1 running back available when it opens Sept. 11 vs. Miami. With Christine Michael looking good during the preseason, the Seahawks should have a potent 1-2 punch at running back when the season begins.

In other injury updates:

– Several players who have been out injured will return to action Thursday. That group includes strong safety Kam Chancellor (groin), defensive tackle Jordan Hill (groin), tackle J’Marcus Webb (knee) and running back C.J. Prosise (hamstring).

– Also scheduled to play are guard Germain Ifedi (oblique), who was rested from practice Tuesday, and fullback Will Tukuafu, who was just re-signed.

– Defensive tackle Jarran Reed (toe) and tight end Nick Vannett (ankle), who left last week’s game against Minnesota with injuries, will not play Thursday. Carroll said both are making progress, but he did not provide a timeline for their returns. Receiver Kasen Williams (hamstring) also won’t play.

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