After losing in the second week of the preseason to the Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks return to action on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. Like the Vikings game, the Hawks will play the role of hosts in the matchup.
Unlike the Vikings and Kansas City, Seattle’s last two preseason opponents, Dallas did not make the playoffs last season.
The Cowboys finished last year at 4-12, but should be much improved this season thanks to the return of Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Dallas also brings in rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was drafted with the fourth-overall pick in last year’s draft out of Ohio State.
Dallas’ improved roster should provide the Seahawks with yet another challenge as the team inches closer to the regular season.
Rematch from 2015 NFL season
The game represents a rematch of last year’s Week 8 encounter between the two franchises. Seattle won the contest on the road by a score of 13-12 in a game that saw Russell Wilson lead the team to victory. The quarterback completed 19 of 30 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. While he also threw an interception, the signal caller ran for 32 yards on six carries.
During that game, Marshawn Lynch led the team with 21 carries for 71 yards. Jimmy Graham was the team’s top receiver with seven catches for 75 yards.
Running back options
Seattle won’t have either of those players as Lynch has retired and Graham is still working his way back from injury. However, there are still a number of players to watch for the Hawks.
A few of those players are competing to help replace Lynch. Thomas Rawls will likely be the starter this season, but the Hawks could some other options in order to keep Rawls fresh. Former Cowboy Christine Michael has shown well this preseason, and could very well carve out a role for himself. He ran for 55 yards on 10 carries versus Minnesota.
Another name to watch is Troymaine Pope, who also snagged 10 carries against the Vikings. Like Michael, he turned in a solid display, putting up 86 yards and a score.
Other running backs to watch include pass-catching back C.J. Prosise, and fellow rookies Zac Brooks and Alex Collins. George Farmer is another running back in the mix.
Filling in for Graham
With Graham still not ready for game action, the Seahawks will turn to returning backup Luke Willson and rookie Nick Vannett. Willson didn’t make a catch on his only target against the Vikings, but Vannett caught his only target and turned it into a 15-yard gain.
Start time
Thursday’s game against the Cowboys kicks off at 10:00 PM Eastern Time. It is the third of four preseason contests for the Hawks.