The Seattle Seahawks will play their first 2025 preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. Current Raiders head coach and former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll already confirmed his starters will play against Seattle. Mike Macdonald answered that question on Tuesday.
Most of the Seahawks’ starters won’t play versus the Raiders, Macdonald said. He also confirmed the 2025 NFL draft rookie class will play, however. That means prominent rookies such as Grey Zabel, Nick Emmanwori, and Elijah Arroyo will receive their first taste of NFL action.
Coach Mike Macdonald says rookie regulars Nick Emmanwori, Grey Zabel, Elijah Arroyo will play Thursday in #Seahawks preseason opener vs Raiders. Most other starters won’t play. @thenewstribunepic.twitter.com/FuqphK2T4l
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 5, 2025
Zabel is the Seahawks’ new starter at left guard. They’re attempting to upgrade that position after veteran Laken Tomlinson played poorly in that spot last season. Seattle’s hopes to field an improved offensive line in 2025 heavily relies on Zabel’s ability to be an immediate difference maker.
There should be legitimate excitement to see Emmanwori on Thursday. The general consensus is that the safety out of South Carolina has been the most impressive rookie at Seahawks training camp. Emmanwori has been a game-changer in Macdonald’s complex scheme, and he could make an impact play on Thursday despite probably playing just a handful of snaps.
Arroyo could quickly become one of Sam Darnold’s go-to targets. Other rookies worth watching are quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Tory Horton. Horton is potentially playing his way into the lineup. Milroe could play the majority of Thursday’s exhibition opener, considering Darnold and Drew Lock don’t necessarily need the reps.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks rookies to play in preseason Week 1 vs. Raiders
