The NFL preseason offers coaches a chance to examine some of the fringe players on their rosters ahead of the all-important cut-down day on August 26. While fans are understandably eager to see their team’s stars suit up, preseason games are usually reserved for depth players to show what they can do.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll spoke to the media on Tuesday (August 5) and was asked which players would participate in the team’s preseason opener. Without giving too much away, the veteran coach hinted that the Raiders may be taking an uncommon approach this year.
Raiders HC Pete Carroll Hints At Veteran Involvement in Preseason Opener
The Raiders take on the Seattle Seahawks in the first game of their preseason schedule, which is far more significant than the typical August matchup. Carroll spent 14 years as the Seahawks’ head coach before parting ways in 2024.
The legendary coach led the team to a Super Bowl at the end of the 2013 season and will forever be ingrained in the franchise’s history. Speaking ahead of the game, Carroll hinted that the Raiders would be getting a look at their whole team, not just those fighting for a roster spot.
When asked if he would be playing his starters, Carroll didn’t hesitate, suggesting that everyone on the roster would be involved in some capacity.
“Everybody’s alive. Everybody’s ready to go.”
#SEAHAWKS GENO SMITH RESPONDS WITH A 71-YARD PASSING TOUCHDOWN TO DK METCALF. HOLY COW.
[🎥: CBS on NFL] pic.twitter.com/9f2b7uWf7K
— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) September 22, 2024
Carroll’s answer would suggest that he won’t be the only one to make a return appearance in Seattle. Quarterback Geno Smith and defensive back Jamal Adams are also familiar faces in the city, and both followed Carroll to Las Vegas this offseason.
Adams spent four years in Seattle, making one Pro Bowl appearance, while Smith spent five seasons with the team, during which he succeeded Russell Wilson in 2022.
Raiders, Seahawks Look Very Different in 2025
The Raiders and the Seahawks are two teams that have undergone immense change during the offseason, with new offensive coordinators and new quarterbacks on both sides. Pete Carroll’s hiring is another huge move in Las Vegas, while both teams added talent on offense.
The Raiders will be looking to topple the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, with Andy Reid’s men having won the division in each of the last nine seasons. Smith’s performances will be key to achieving that goal, as will those of rookie Ashton Jeanty, who the team drafted sixth overall in April.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, allowed star receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf to leave along with Smith. The three fan favorites have been replaced with Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while rookie receiver Tory Horton has impressed in camp.
Both teams have their eyes on the playoffs, with Carroll in no mood to hang around, as could be gathered from his frantic, almost impatient approach to his press conference.
