Examining the Seattle Seahawks' roster:
QUARTERBACKS (3)
Pryor took a big step toward making the roster with a strong performance Thursday night in the preseason opener at Denver. It's seems clear now the Seahawks will keep three QBs, along with veteran backup Tarvaris Jackson. B.J. Daniels, who also is hoping to earn a spot, did not play Thursday because of a groin injury. But Daniels would need to make a major push now to make the roster. He might end up on the practice squad
RUNNING BACKS (3)
Lynch did not make the trip to Denver because coach Pete Carroll said he still isn't in football shape, but he wouldn't have played even if he was. Turbin started and did not play well behind an offensive line that was missing three starters. The running back who got everyone's attention was rookie Demitrius Bronson, who ran hard and made some nice gains late in the game, but also dropped what would have been a game-winning swing pass. Bronson has a good chance now to end up on the practice squad.
FULLBACKS (2)
Coleman and Ware are converted running backs, and the Seahawks might see Ware as more of a running back now. The only true fullback is rookie Kiero Small (5-foot-8, 250 pounds), who could beat out Ware but will likely start the season on the practice squad. Ware is on the bubble for making it.
RECEIVERS (6)
Four of these spots are set -- Harvin, Baldwin, Kearse and Richardson, the rookie speedster from Colorado, who played well Thursday night with four receptions. But nine players are vying for the final two spots. Norwood, a rookie from Alabama, has played well, but had foot surgery last week and could start the season on the physically unable to perform list. That opens up a possible spot. Ricardo Lockette and Bryan Walters are the likely candidates. Walters also can return punts, but Lockette is good on punt coverage. It's a toss up. University of Washington rookie Kevin Smith has played well and could be headed for the practice squad. Bates isn't a sure thing, but the coaches have praised him a lot in camp.
TIGHT ENDS (3)
Sad news last week when Anthony McCoy, who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, tore his other Achilles tendon and is out for the season. There appears to be a three-man battle for the third spot between Helfet, undrafted rookie Rashaun Allen and recently signed rookie Morrell Presley. But Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had high praise for Helfet on Sunday.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)
A lot of difficult decisions here because the backups did not play well at Denver. Schilling is in a battle with veteran guard Wade Smith, who was signed last week, for a roster spot. Michael Bowie, who was expected to battle rookie Britt for the starting spot at right tackle, was waived injured and signed with Cleveland. Four days earlier, the Seahawks signed veteran offensive tackle Winston, who will help Britt learn the right tackle position. Britt had some good moments and some not so good in his first NFL game Thursday. Caylin Hauptmann started at left guard Thursday, but Schilling may get that backup guard spot. Rookie tackles Garry Gilliam and Nate Isles have a chance to make the practice squad.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
Second-year defensive tackle Jesse Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, but signing Kevin Williams before minicamp was a major addition to the rotation at defensive tackle. Scruggs’ return after missing last season will help the depth because he can play defensive end and defensive tackle. The Seahawks are high on UCLA rookie defensive end Marsh, who played well Thursday with a sack and a tackle for loss. Rookie Jimmy Staten probably goes to the practice squad.
LINEBACKERS (6)
Bruce Irvin (hip surgery) and Korey Toomer (hamstring injury) are on the PUP list. Whether either player will be ready to start the season is hard to say. If neither man starts the season, it's good news for rookie Coyle, who has been the biggest surprise at camp. He started at MLB Thursday (Wagner has a hamstring injury) and played well. Smith also is recovering from ankle surgery, leaving the team thin, for now, at outside linebacker. Pierre-Louis is a super-fast rookie who will contribute a lot on special teams this season, but has an oblique injury. O'Brien Schofield is on the bubble as an outside linebacker/defensive end, but played well Thursday. And backup middle linebacker Heath Farwell is a veteran and the special teams captain. A really difficult cut is coming here. The Seahawks could keep seven linebackers and one fewer defensive back. The coaches moved rookie defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat to outside linebacker, but will have to play well in preseason games to make the team.
CORNERBACKS (5)
Another tough cut is coming here. Jefferson took a big step toward earning a spot with an outstanding game Thursday, three passes defensed and an interception, but he suffered a significant ankle injury. Phillip Adams has looked good and he can return kicks. Lane will start as the nickel back. Simon, who missed his rookie year last season with injuries, has impressed everyone with his athleticism. He was ejected from Thursday game after throwing a punch in the end zone. The Seahawks also recently signed veteran Terrell Thomas, who is trying to make it as a nickelback, but he got beat on the 33-yard, game-winning TD at Denver.
SAFETIES (4)
Johnson is the first backup at both safety spots. Shead is listed as a cornerback, but the team needs him more at the safety spots. Chancellor is still recovering from offseason hip surgery, but returned to practice last week on a limited basis. Rookie Eric Pinkins might spend the season on IR after injuring his foot.
SPECIALISTS (3)
These spots are set unless an injury occurs.