Seahawks' Fringe Players Seek to Impress in Preseason Finale
With starters resting, the Seattle Seahawks' preseason finale against Kansas City offers a final chance for depth players to make the roster. Running back Jacardia Wright and edge rusher Connor O'Toole are among those needing strong performances. Coach Mike Macdonald has indicated the team will not play starters.
The Seahawks' decision to rest all starters against Kansas City underscores coach Mike Macdonald's philosophy of using preseason games primarily to evaluate roster depth. Jacardia Wright enters the contest competing for the third running back role, with Emanuel Wilson's lingering injury potentially opening a path to regular-season playing time. Wright's preseason has been inconsistent—he broke a long touchdown run against Tennessee but also missed running lanes and made a costly lateral move on a third-down reception.
Connor O'Toole impressed against the Titans by repeatedly pressuring the quarterback, yet he faces stiff competition from several other edge rushers. The team may opt for versatility over pure pass-rush upside, with Mike Morris capable of playing both inside and outside. Christian Haynes, meanwhile, has shown gradual improvement after two underwhelming seasons, and Mason Richman's injury could give him another opportunity in the backup guard competition against Bryce Cabeldue.
This preseason finale carries quiet significance for fringe players whose NFL careers hang in the balance, but its broader impact on fans and the league is minimal. For Seahawks supporters, the game offers a glimpse of future depth pieces and potential practice-squad contributors. The outcome could subtly shape Seattle's early-season roster decisions, particularly at running back and along the offensive line, where injuries have created uncertainty. However, with starters resting, the contest's competitive stakes remain low, and its influence will likely be confined to roster mechanics rather than the wider NFL landscape.