OAKLAND – The Seahawks will face the Oakland Raiders Thursday night in their preseason finale, a game that will provide a final test for roster hopefuls battling for jobs ahead of Saturday's deadline to reduce rosters to 53 players.
Not expected to suit up for tonight's game are handful of players battling injuries, as well as defensive end Michael Bennett, who had a procedure on his toe done this week, one he has had in past years as well and one that is not expected to affect his availability next week. Not on the list, however, is running back Thomas Rawls, who appears to be on track to make his preseason debut and see his first game action since suffering a season-ending ankle injury in December, though there are no guarantees he plays much, if at all.
Seahawks not expected to suit up for Thursday's game:
WR Tanner McEvoy
WR Kasen Williams
DE Michael Bennett
TE Jimmy Graham
DT Jarran Reed
That is not necessarily a complete list of who might not play. It's not uncommon for veteran starters to be healthy scratches for the final preseason game, so don't be surprised if some of Seattle's starters sit this one out, but the list above is simply players confirmed ahead of time to not be suiting up for health reasons. Both Kasen Williams (hamstring) and Tanner McEvoy (groin) were able to go through pregame warmups, a sign that they may be getting close to full health.
While Graham will again sit out, he did go through pregame warmups, as was also the case last week, and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Graham was “full-go” in practice this week.
While you wait for kickoff, here are five things to keep an eye on in Thursday’s game.
And a reminder that tonight's game can be seen in the Seattle area on Q13 FOX and heard on 710 ESPN Seattle and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM.
Pregame photos from the Seahawks' road trip to the Bay Area for their preseason finale against the Oakland Raiders.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll smiles before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, shakes hands with Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin before a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oakland Raiders' Bruce Irvin, left, chats with Seattle Seahawks' Jimmy Graham before a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll throws before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll shakes hands with players before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
