NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Saturday afternoon, but before that happens, the Seahawks, like every team, have one preseason game remaining, a final audition, if you will, for roster hopefuls who have not yet secured their place on the team.
Most starters won't play much, if at all, when the Seahawks host the Raiders Thursday night, so while last week's game was a lengthier tune-up for the starters, who played into the third quarter at Minnesota, this game is all about those players on the bubble who hope to either show the Seahawks they're deserving of a roster spot, or to put enough good play on tape to get another team's attention.
"We have a number of competitive situations where guys are battling," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. "We're looking for guys that we're trying to start, we're looking for guys looking for play time, we're looking for guys trying to make the roster, looking for guys to make the practice squad—there's all kinds of considerations here and that's what this game is for. We need to put those guys out there and give them a chance to show for themselves. We're really pulling for them. After this whole offseason and then through the preseason, for these guys to get to this point now where they're still competing for it, we've grown to really have a feeling for these guys and we want to see them come through. That's what we're trying, to promote an opportunity for that. We'll see what happens."
With that in mind, here are five things to watch in Seattle's fourth preseason game:
1. How ready is Shaquem Griffin?
When the Seahawks selected Shaquem Griffin in the fifth round of this year's draft, the hope was that he could use his speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact on special teams while serving as K.J. Wright's backup at weakside linebacker.
But with Wright undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery this week, there's a real possibility that Griffin will be a Week 1 starter, joining his twin brother Shaquill when the Seahawks defense takes the field against Denver. Carroll did not have a definitive timeline on Wright as of Wednesday, but said "a couple of weeks is the most optimistic we could be." Griffin has enjoyed a strong preseason, but with signs pointing to him potentially starting the opener, this final chance for game reps will be crucial.
"This is a really important opportunity for him," Carroll said. "He's played a lot, so he's got extensive playing time and he's made great progress. He played his best game last week. Even though he had a lot of tackles in the opener, he really played the best he's played this past weekend. This is important to see him continue to get better and clean things up and make sure he's really accountable. He's a running and hitting guy. We aren't worried about that. It's just making sure he's really playing the scheme really well and he's really precise about all his fits and all that. It's a bit of a race for him to get there because he's been more of an outside guy in his career, so we've adapted him to be an inside linebacker from the weak side. We'd like to be able to use his speed and his range and all that, so he's working really hard at it. He's been a very astute worker, been a really sharp communicator and all that stuff. A lot of good things are positive and now we'd just like to see him put it all together again. He'll have another big week next week and we'll hopefully add to that."
2. What roster hopefuls state their case?
One of the many lessons Carroll learned from the legendary Bud Grant while working in Minnesota in the 1980s goes like this: "You don't make decisions until you have to."
Well, with the roster deadline looming, the Seahawks have to make some tough decisions soon, so while the score of Thursday's game might be quickly forgotten, it can represent a career-changing moment for a young player on the bubble. Prior to last year, teams made an earlier round of cuts to get to 75 players prior to the fourth preseason game, but starting in 2017, teams can keep all 90 players through the end of the preseason. That's a move Carroll really likes, not just because it keeps teams from having to play someone they might prefer to rest in the final game, but because it opens the door to that many more players to make a final statement about why they belong.
"This is their chance to make this club and there are a lot of guys that have done a lot of good stuff on this roster," Carroll said. "We're not closing our minds to anything. We're wide open to it. The thought is that everybody's getting ready to play, but the young guys will play a lot in this game so they're going to get a great opportunity. The rule change about the cuts from 75, this is a great decision by the league. This is the way it should go and we shouldn't be under duress heading into this fourth game. That change is so obvious. We'll maximize the opportunity for these guys. For some of these guys, their opportunity will show up for other clubs as well. The chance to get on the field, make the plays and then all that may help them here, of course, but then at other places as well. We're going to give them every opportunity to show that."
And again, as Grant once said, there's no need for the Seahawks to have made a bunch of decisions before this game, so a lot is still at stake.
"We don't have decisions made," Carroll said. "We don't have to do that yet. We're going to wait. Coming out of Minnesota, Bud Grant used to say, 'You don't make decisions until you have to.' We're not going to force it. There's no reason to make stuff up right now. We'll just wait it out (and) give these guys every chance. I mean, that's part of our mentality, is to continue to see these guys making it and coming through and doing it. Our coaches are developmental coaches for that reason – to hold that thought throughout and not ever cancel a guy's opportunity out and so we're trying to do that as best we can."
3. Can Amara Darboh make his mark in a crowded competition at receiver?
Throughout camp and the preseason, receiver has been one of the most intriguing position battles on the roster, and one player who potentially has a lot to gain in that battle Thursday is Amara Darboh, a 2017 third-round pick. Coaches have spoken highly of Darboh throughout his time in Seattle, but hip flexor and clavicle injuries have caused him to miss all three preseason games so far.
Carroll said Darboh will play Thursday, and given the strong play of young receivers like David Moore and Marcus Johnson, and of veteran additions like Brandon Marshall and Jaron Brown, Darboh is one of several receivers who could benefit from a strong performance Thursday.
"I just want to see him play ball again," Carroll said. "We've seen a lot of him, we know him well, we like him. He has been a really aggressive player, been a good special teamer and all that, just would like to see him get back out and show that he's back, really, then we'll figure it out from there."
4. The ongoing competition at right cornerback.
When camp opened, veteran Byron Maxwell seemed to have the inside track on winning the starting job at right corner, and for good reason. Maxwell has extensive starting experience, including in Seattle's defensive system, and he played well last year after taking over a starting role in Richard Sherman's absence. But due to injuries, neither Maxwell (hip flexor) nor Neiko Thorpe (wrist) has played this preseason, opening the door for free-agent addition Dontae Johnson and rookie Tre Flowers to emerge as serious contenders for the starting job.
Johnson, who started all 16 games for the 49ers last season, has the edge in experience, but Flowers, a long, athletic former safety, has a ton of upside and has been something of a personal project for Carroll since arriving as a fifth-round pick in this year's draft. Maxwell's experience means he is still in the mix, even after missing the preseason—he played well last season despite some time off between being released by Miami and signed by Seattle—but it's looking more and more like Johnson and Flowers both have a real shot to win the job, particularly with a strong showing Thursday.
5. Michael Dickson's majestic punts.
OK, so this one isn't about a position battle—the rookie out of the University of Texas already won the punting job. But if you can't get excited about backups battling for roster spots, at least make sure to tune in every time the Seahawks have to punt, because what Dickson has been doing this preseason has been ridiculous.
Through three preseason games, Dickson is averaging a league-best 52.5 yards-per-punt and 48.1 net yards-per-punt. Net average, which factors in returns and touchbacks, is often considered the most important stat for punters, and while it's a small sample size, Dickson's average is more than 2 yards better than Rams punter Johnny Hekker's NFL record net average of 46.0, set in 2016. Already this preseason, Dickson has had three punts of 55 or more yards downed inside the opposing 10-yard line, including punts last week of 56 and 57 yards that both made physics-defying right turns after hitting the ground, bouncing out of bounds at the 3-yard line. If doing that twice in a game seems good, well, it is…
Take a look back at games played between the Seahawks and Raiders as the two sides ready for Sunday's matchup in London at Wembley Stadium.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Dave Brown (22) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, on November 6, 1977. The Raiders defeated the Seattle 44-7. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)

Oakland Raiders Hall of Fame tight end Dave Casper (87) tries to break away from Seattle Seahawks safety Autry Beamon (27) during an NFL game in Oakland, Nov. 26, 1978. The Seahawks defeated the Raiders 17-16. . (AP Photo/Arthur Anderson)

Seattle Seahawks Jim Zorn and kicker Efren Herrera (1) watch as the winning field goal goes through the crossbars in the last three seconds of play in game with Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Nov. 26, 1978. The kick was good for 46 yards and provided Seattle with 17-16 margin of victory. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Oakland Raiders defensive end John Matuszak (72) pressures Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jim Zorn (10) during play in an NFL football game in 1981. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)

Los Angeles Raiders Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) takes on Seattle Seahawks linebacker Rodell Thomas (59) on special teams during an NFL game in Los Angeles, Dec. 5, 1982. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)

Los Angeles Raider Marcus Allen (32), center, makes his way over the goal line to score in second quarter action against the Seattle Seahawks at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca., Dec. 5, 1982. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac)

Los Angeles Raiders Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) pressures Seattle Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg (17) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 30, 1983. The Seahawks defeated the Raiders 34-21. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Seattle Seahawks Cullen Bryant (32) runs through the line for short gain and into an awaiting Rod Martin (53) during first-quarter action, Sunday, Jan. 8, 1984 in Los Angeles in the AFC championship game between the Seahawks and the Los Angeles Raiders in the Coliseum. (AP Photo)

Seattle Seahawks Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent (80) is covered by Los Angeles Raiders Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes (22) during an NFL game, Oct. 7, 1984. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 28-14. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)

Seattle's Dave Krieg (17), pitches out to a running back behind the blocking of Reggie McKenzie in NFL game, Nov. 13, 1984 in Seattle against the Los Angeles Raiders. Moving in is Lyle Alzado of the Raiders. Seattle won 17-14. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)

Los Angeles Raiders' running back Marcus Allen (32) makes a short-yardage run against the Seattle Seahawks in Los Angeles, Dec. 15, 1985. Allen is helped by teammate Frank Hawkins (27) while the Seattle defenders are John Harris (44) and Keith Butler (53) in this second quarter play. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Seattle Seahawks receiver Steve Largent (80), grasps the ball and scores on quarterback Dave Krieg's 10-yard pass at Seattle, Dec. 8, 1986. Seattle scored first in their battle at the Kingdome against the Los Angeles Raiders. Raiders safety Vann McElroy attempted to foil the play. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)

Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Dave Wyman (92) flips Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) in the air during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 18, 1988 in Los Angeles. The Seahawks won the game 43-37. (Paul Spinelli via AP)

Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend (93) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 1, 1989, in Los Angeles. (NFL Photos via AP)

Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70) is seen in action against Seattle Seahawks guard Bryan Millard (71) during an NFL game Oct.14, 1990, in Los Angeles. (NFL Photos via AP)

Los Angeles Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski (76) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks Oct.14, 1990, in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 24–17. (NFL Photos via AP)

Seattle Seahawks Chris Warren(42) in action during his 1992 season game against the Los Angeles Raiders on November 15, 1992 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders beat the Seahawks 20-3. Chris Warren played for 11 years with 3 different teams and was a 3-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)

Los Angeles Raiders running back Nick Bell (38) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks Dec. 12, 1993, in Los Angeles. (NFL Photos via AP)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Rick Mirer (3) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders Dec. 12, 1993, in Los Angeles. (NFL Photos via AP)

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 22, 1996. Seahawks beat Raiders 28-21. Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) stops Seattle Seahawks running back Lamar Smith (36). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 14, 1997. Seahawks beat Raiders 22-21. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Sinclair (70) pulls down Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George (3). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 14, 1997. Seahawks beat Raiders 22-21. Oakland Raiders defensive back Lorenzo Lynch (43) attempts to stop Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Warren (42). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Chad Brown (94) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders Nov. 15, 1998, in Oakland, Calif. (Allen Kee via AP)

Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 15, 1998, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 5, 1999. Raiders beat Seahawks 30-21. Seattle Seahawks defensive back Jay Bellamy (20) and defensive back Shawn Springs (24) work on pulling down Oakland Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, October 22, 2000. Raiders beat Seahawks 31-3. Seattle Seahawks running back Rickey Watters (32). (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Shaun Alexander #37 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Ca. on September 30, 2001. The Raiders won 38-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)

Oakland Raiders linebacker Eric Barton (50) rushes Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) on Sunday, September 30, 2001, in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 38-14. (AP Photo/Al Golub)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) throws the ball under pressure from Oakland Raiders' DeLawrence Grant, left, in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002, in Oakland, Calif. the Raiders won 31-17. (AP Photo/John Todd)

Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) is congratulated by Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck after Alexander scored a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of an NFL exhibition football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Carlos Francis misses a fourth down pass under pressure from Seattle Seahawks' Kelly Herndon (31) and Lofa Tatupu turning the ball over which led to the Seahawks final score during the fourth quarter of a football game in Seattle, Monday, Nov. 6, 2006. The Seahawks won 16-0. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Seattle Seahawks wide rdceiver Golden Tate (81) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game 33 to 3. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is chased by Oakland Raiders' Pat Sims in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman jumps over Oakland Raiders' tight end Mychal Rivera, left, and Seahawks' Earl Thomas after Sherman made an interception in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)