The Seattle Seahawks will open their preseason schedule this Saturday when they host the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in Seattle as players begin competing for position ahead of the regular season.
Training camp is underway as players contend for spots on the team’s final 53-man roster. The upcoming three preseason games over the next three weeks provide critical opportunities for both young players and veterans to secure their places on the squad.
Linebacker Drake Thomas emphasized the significance of these exhibition games for players working to earn a spot on the team.
Thomas explained that preseason competition played a direct role in his own career trajectory.
“The only reason I’ve gotten the opportunities that I’ve gotten is because of preseason games,” Thomas said. “So, when I say it’s a huge opportunity, that’s not something small that I’m kind of brushing over. These next three weeks, these next 3 games can be life-changing for young guys in this league.”
Defensive lineman Rylie Mills is among those looking to make an impact this preseason after being limited last season by an ACL injury.
Following his recovery, Mills recorded a sack in the Super Bowl. He recalled the support from his teammates after returning to action and making a big play on the field.
“The coolest thing for me after was going to the sideline and everyone kind of smacking my helmet,” Mills said. “I think it was just….everyone in here has seen me work and doing my knee and stuff and trying to be involved with the guys and just kind of waiting for an opportunity. You know to have a big moment and to have everyone to celebrate with. These are the guys that I have been with the whole time and I think that was the coolest moment for me.”
Mills added that every snap matters during training camp and exhibition play.
“I think that every rep’s an opportunity to get better,” Mills said. “So, for me you just gotta go all out every play.”
Safety Ty Okada noted that despite offseason celebrations following the team’s Super Bowl victory, the defense remains focused on executing assignments and trusting teammates.
“When you’re out there, just remember you’ve got 10 of your brothers out there,” Okada said. “You’re not out there trying to make every play on your own. Just own your slice of the pie, do your one/11. Things will work out for you and just try to trust your brothers next to you to go out there and make their plays and everything will work out well.”