The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era.
Sam Darnold is about to take the reins of the offense, with Geno Smith following Pete Carroll to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Also, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf will no longer be on the premises.
Unfortunately, it seems like the fans will have to wait a little longer before they get to watch their new-look team take the field.
According to a report by Corbin K. Smith of FOX, head coach Mike Macdonald has already ruled out the starters of their preseason opener vs. the Raiders.
Mike Macdonald confirms starters will not play for #Seahawks versus Raiders in preseason opener.
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) August 3, 2025
Of course, this isn’t necessarily much of a surprise.
Teams rarely play their starters in the first week of the preseason, and even when they do, they’re only there for a drive or two.
The preseason used to be the perfect time to fine-tune some things, but with a longer regular season, teams are doing the right thing by being extremely cautious with their most important players.
If anything, this will give the backups and third stringers an opportunity to prove that they can also contribute and be a factor.
Likewise, it’s also the perfect opportunity for teams to get a glimpse of those players who might not have what it takes to get the job done when it counts.
Maybe, we’ll get to watch Alabama standout Jalen Milroe, one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects entering the league this season, and someone who could maybe even challenge Darnold for his spot at some point in the near future.
