STACY ROST

Russell Wilson will not play in Seahawks preseason opener

Aug 7, 2019, 1:09 PM | Updated: Aug 8, 2019, 12:33 pm

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson...

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks starters should see their most extensive outing Saturday. (AP)

(AP)

The Seahawks will rest quarterback Russell Wilson in their preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, marking Wilson’s first time missing a preseason opener.

Moore: Tyler Lockett will be Seahawks No. 1 WR, but who will be No. 2?

Head coach Pete Carroll cited two reasons behind the decision: The Seahawks’ first-team offense rarely plays more than a series in Week 1 of the preseason and got plenty of work against the first-team defense during practice this week, and the Seahawks’ youngest players need as many reps as possible.

While Carroll didn’t say it, keeping Wilson out of the game also eliminates any injury risk for a $35-million-per-year franchise quarterback.

“We’re going to play our young guys a ton,” Carroll told reporters Wednesday. “There will be some mixes in the starting lineup that you’ll see right from the get-go and some guys won’t play in this game. But it’s really the game to get the season started and get these young guys rolling and give them the opportunity to compete like we want to compete around here. We want to see these guys, see if these guys can help our football team and they can’t do it just watching, they need to get out and play.”

Geno Smith, who is competing with Paxton Lynch for Seattle’s backup QB job, will get the start against Denver despite missing practice Tuesday.

Seahawks-Broncos coverage will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday on 710 ESPN Seattle and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM with the pregame show. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Russell Wilson studying a retired great to improve his own game

Stacy Rost

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith quarterback...

Stacy Rost

Are Seahawks really not Super Bowl contenders because of QB?

FOX Sports' Joel Klatt said the Seattle Seahawks "don't have the requisite quarterback play" to be a Super Bowl contender. Is he right?

2 days ago

Seattle Seahawks Leonard Williams...

Stacy Rost

Seahawks Notebook: Did Hawks overpay for Leonard Williams?

Did the Seattle Seahawks pay Leonard Williams too much in free agency? Stacy Rost dives into that and more about the offseason.

16 days ago

Seahawks Broncos Russell Wilson...

Stacy Rost

Rost: It’s wrong to say we saw Russell Wilson’s spectacular failure coming

Looking at what led to the recent downfall of Russell Wilson is a delicate balancing act between realization and honesty, Stacy Rost says.

20 days ago

Seattle Seahawks safeties...

Stacy Rost

Rost: 4 big questions after Seahawks release Diggs, Adams and Dissly

The Seattle Seahawks' big releases greatly impact two positions. Stacy Rost dives into the main questions the Hawks now must answer.

23 days ago

Seattle Seahawks free agency Patrick Queen...

Stacy Rost

Rost: Could Seattle Seahawks sign All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen?

The Seattle Seahawks have a problem at linebacker, but also an opportunity to bring in a big name in free agency in Patrick Queen.

28 days ago

Seattle Seahawks Mike Macdonald...

Stacy Rost

Before Seahawks, Macdonald was most ‘consequential’ hire at Michigan

Austin Meek, who covers Michigan football for The Athletic, provided an interesting look at new Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.

1 month ago

Russell Wilson will not play in Seahawks preseason opener