Seahawks Vs. Vikings: Drew Lock 'Important' Game, Injuries, Who’s Active Update

This year … maybe fewer surprises but more expectations as the Seahawks open the preseason against the visiting Vikings.

The Seattle Seahawks are about to begin their match into 2023 as they open the exhibition season by hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night at Lumen Field. … and while last year the Seahawks surpassed everyone's expectations by becoming. a playoff team?

This year … maybe fewer surprises but more expectations.

How does that apply in the preseason opener, in which playing time will be determined in part by injuries? Let’s begin there … 

Seattle went 9-8 and made the postseason on the strength of sone standouts who aren’t playing here. Starting quarterback Geno Smith - who played better than Russell Wilson did in Denver last year following the blockbuster trade - will be joined on the sideline by injured draftee Devon Witherspoon and vets like Bobby Wagner.

But first-round rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be one to watch here.

We need to see all of the new guys,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve got really competitive spots that we need information on. Everybody needs to play football, and these games are hugely important. For the guys we haven’t had the chance to see before in our uniforms and playing for us, it’s crucial. They’ve got to show something.”

Carroll is also looking forward to seeing more of backup QB Drew Lock.

“It’s really important,” Carroll said. “Drew is going to play a lot of football during the preseason.

The Vikings in 2022 under then first-year coach Kevin O'Connell had a 13-4 record but then lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Make sure to stay with AllSeahawks.com for all the in-game and post-game updates as Seattle opens the preseason against the Vikings with a 7 p.m. PT kickoff.

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