RENTON, Wash. -- The third preseason game typically is the one where the starters get the most action, but a few Seattle Seahawks starters will get on the field for the first time.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said outside linebacker Malcolm Smith and strong safety Kam Chancellor are expected to play Friday night against the Chicago Bears at CenturyLink Field.
It’s also possible left tackle Russell Okung and center Max Unger will see some playing time. Smith (ankle) Chancellor (hip) and Okung (toe) had offseason surgery. All three recently returned to practice. Unger had a groin injury but has practiced the last two weeks.
“They’re ready to play some football,” Carroll said of Smith and Chancellor. “This is the game [the starters] will play the most, so we want to see consistency and really good, smart football. We just want to see if we can keep growing.”
Running back Marshawn Lynch was in on a few plays last week but didn’t have a carry. That likely will change Friday night.
“It’s time for him to get some carries and get involved a little bit,” Carroll said of Lynch. “I could not be more pleased with the conditioning level he has and his consistency in practice. His preparation has been great.”
Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner still is out with a hamstring injury. Linebacker Bruce Irvin (hip surgery) and rookie wide receiver Kevin Norwood (foot surgery) also are out, but Carroll is hopeful all three can return before the start of the regular season.
Carroll said receiver Bryan Walters will not play Friday because of bruised ribs he suffered last week in the San Diego game.
Carroll also said defensive tackle Michael Brooks had knee surgery Thursday. Rookie linebacker Horace Miller has a sprained knee and will be out for an extended period.
