Three Seahawks that need to play big tonight versus the Chargers

The Seahawks still have a lot of question marks on their roster. With roster cuts looming, these three players need to make big impressions tonight.

The Seahawks will be cutting their roster down to 53 men seven days from now. With just two preseason games left, several backup roles still have to be decided. There are even a few starting gigs still up for grabs. Depending on how they play tonight, a few players could tip the balance between a solid role on the team or even missing the cut next week. I see these three players on the hot seat.

Geno Smith: In his only action of the preseason against the Broncos, the six-year veteran showed why he’s only gotten two starts in the past four seasons. Smith was just 3 for 9 and was sacked twice, while Paxton Lynch took the lead in the battle for the backup job. Smith certainly won’t be cut with Lynch still in concussion protocol. But he has to deliver against his former team tonight. If he doesn’t play well, that would be two bad performances. I can’t see the Seahawks keeping him on the roster no matter what he does in the final preseason game next week.

Gary Jennings: The rookie wide receiver was hampered by injuries early this offseason, and didn’t show much for most of training camp. He finally delivered on the practice field, so well that Russell Wilson made a point of saying they’ve been waiting for this from Jennings. However, he hasn’t caught a pass yet in the preseason. With David Moore’s injury, he may have bought more time to prove himself. But players like Jazz Ferguson and John Ursua have shown more than Jennings so far. Then again, maybe he just needs more than the three targets he’s seen in the two previous games.

Barkevious Mingo: Yeah, I know, this is at least the fourth time I’ve tolled the death knell for him.  If by some chance you’re reading this, Mr. Mingo, I swear it’s nothing personal. It’s just…you’re making some serious money for a guy with five sacks in the last five years. I mean… ah, he’s gone now. Thank God, I may live another day. It isn’t that Mingo is bad; it’s that he isn’t worth what he’s getting paid.

For the cost of Mingo’s salary, $3.4 million, the Seahawks could keep Cassius Marsh, Jake Martin, Shaquem Griffin, and still have $1.4 million left over. His salary is guaranteed if he’s on the roster in week one, by the way. Right now, Mingo is behind both Marsh and Martin. Mingo is great on special teams, but do you really want the guy with the seventh-highest salary cap to be just a special teams player?

Sure, there’s one more game after tonight, but none of these three players have shown they belong on the Seahawks so far. I’d be thrilled if they all had great games against the Chargers tonight. Of the three, I expect Jennings to have the best showing. Both Smith and Mingo have been in the NFL for six years, and they’ve both been playing their way out of the league after hot starts to their career. I hope I’m wrong, but I believe that road will continue to lead elsewhere. Who knows, Jim Zorn may be looking for talent for the XFL Dragons.