RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks close out their preseason Thursday night with a matchup against the Oakland Raiders. Here's a rundown of what we're watching at each position.
Quarterback: One storyline to follow this weekend will be whether the Seahawks make a move to add a backup quarterback or stick with Trevone Boykin. What the coaches like about Boykin is that they don't have to change the run game (which includes a fair amount of zone read) if he is on the field. He can execute the run-pass options, play-action, etc. But Boykin has been erratic as a pocket passer. If the Seahawks like his potential, they could sit tight, and if Russell Wilson goes down, make a move then. But if another team cuts a QB the Seahawks like, they could pounce.
Running back: C.J. Prosise has played only 16 snaps in the preseason, but he looked the part last week against the Dallas Cowboys. He should see plenty of work Thursday -- both as a running back and a receiver. Keep an eye on how Prosise performs in pass protection. The coaches need to be able to trust him in that aspect if Prosise is going to have a role right away.
Alex Collins has had a quiet preseason but should still make the roster. He should get plenty of work as well.
Wide receiver: Nobody has stepped up to win the battle for the fifth wide receiver spot. Rookie Kenny Lawler has flashed but probably can't play special teams. Kevin Smith was waived. Kasen Williams has been injured. Tanner McEvoy got banged-up last week. And Antwan Goodley probably hasn't done enough.
We'll see if anyone makes a late push versus the Raiders. It's also possible that the Seahawks make a move at this position after teams trim their rosters to 53 players.
Tight end: Not a ton to see here. Rookie Nick Vannett (ankle) will sit out and could miss Week 1. Jimmy Graham (ruptured patellar tendon) won't play and his status for the opener is up in the air. The two tight ends in the opener will almost certainly be Luke Willson and Brandon Williams.
Offensive line: This may be the only area on the team where the coaches are still deciding on a starter. Four spots are set: Bradley Sowell at left tackle, Mark Glowinski at left guard, Justin Britt at center and Germain Ifedi at right guard.
Right tackle is still undecided. It'll be either Garry Gilliam or J'Marcus Webb. Gilliam dealt with a knee issue earlier this offseason, but coach Pete Carroll said that has not affected Gilliam's play.
Among the backups, Jahri Evans, Terry Poole and George Fant are all fighting for roster spots.
Defensive line: Carroll said Jordan Hill is someone who needs to play a lot in this game since he's been banged-up for most of the summer. Jarran Reed (toe) won't play but has a good shot of being ready for the opener.
Linebacker: This is another area where the Seahawks could be active in adding players who are currently on other rosters. Mike Morgan is in position to be the starting SAM linebacker in the regular season, having beaten out Eric Pinkins and Cassius Marsh.
Cornerback: Tye Smith and Marcus Burley could be competing for one spot. The guess here is that Smith will get the nod, given his upside and versatility.
Safety: It seems that the emergence of Tyvis Powell was a significant factor in the Seahawks deciding to let Brandon Browner go. Veteran Steven Terrell is on the roster bubble.