Seahawks notes: Wilson to start, Flynn to play

By Bill Swartz

It will be all about young guys trying to win jobs when the Seahawks host the Raiders Thursday night in the final preseason game.

That was the message from coach Pete Carroll following Wednesday’s walkthrough practice at the team’s headquarters in Renton. Carroll said first stringers will start the game, including rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. Matt Flynn will get plenty of snaps after missing last weekend’s game with an elbow injury.

Running back Marshawn Lynch’s sore back is improving but he will be held out against Oakland. Receiver Doug Baldwin has been doing more sprint work as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but Carroll has elected to not use him Thursday night.

Carroll said special teams play will decide several close battles among receivers, linebackers and defensive backs. Defensive linemen Jason Jones and Greg Scruggs will not play Thursday but Carroll expects both to be ready for Arizona.

Carroll’s final message to young players in a stressful situation: play loose and don’t overtry.

Carroll said offensive lineman James Carpenter “definitely” will play this season. Carpenter is on the physically unable to perform list, still recovering from a torn ACL he sustained last season.

“We didn’t know that as we went into even July,” Carroll said. “We weren’t sure. But we know that now, that he’s going to play.”