Wilson, Seahawks busy in last practice before final preseason game

Aug 6, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass at training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks held their final preseason practice on Tuesday in preparation for their last preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field on Thursday.

The practice was both physical and competitive, according to Tony Ventrella at Seahawks.com.

Russell Wilson told reporters after the practice that he was proud of what the offense did in the red zone during the practice and that the defense made big plays as well.

“It was a battle all day today,” said Wilson. “It was fun.”

Coming into the practice, the Seahawks had to make a few roster moves to get down to the league-mandated 75-man roster. That included releasing wide receiver Donavon Kemp and terminating the contract of veteran corner Will Blackmon.

Additionally, the Seahawks put three players on the physically unable to perform list: wide receiver Percy Harvin, defensive end Greg Scruggs and cornerback Tharold Simon. Linebacker Korey Toomer was placed on the non-football injury reserve list to round the roster out to an even 75, according to NBC Sports.

However, the roster isn’t yet final. It must be cut again by Saturday, this time from 75 players to 53.

Thursday night’s game against the Raiders will be the last chance for some players to show they belong on this team. It will also serve as the final tuneup for the Seahawks before their regular season opens on September 8 against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, NC.

But the Seahawks, and Russell Wilson, feel that though they have a few things to work on, for the most part, they are ready.

“When we get opportunities, [we need] to capitalize on them…which isn’t easy to do in the National Football League,” said Wilson. “Going into the regular season, [our focuses are]: How great can we be on third down? How great can we be in the red zone?

We’ll trust our defense to make plays, we’ll trust our defense to get us the ball, and we’ll go from there.”