Jalen Milroe Under Microscope as Seahawks Play Final Dress Rehearsal in Kansas City
As he did in the preseason finale during his rookie season, Jalen Milroe will play all four quarters under center for the Seattle Seahawks when they travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Friday's exhibition finale.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith analyzes what he has seen thus far from Milroe through two preseason games, breaks down what he hopes to see him improve upon with a full game of action in Kansas City, including more decisiveness from the pocket and willingness to let it rip as a passer, and examines three position battles with the most on the line from a 53-man roster standpoint heading into the last audition.
Which Dark Horses Could Emerge on Seahawks’ 53-Man Roster After Preseason Finale at Chiefs?
Every year, the Seattle Seahawks seem to have a player or two make the final 53-man roster who wasn't expected to stick around, including center Jalen Sundell and tight end Nick Kallerup in the past two years.
With one exhibition game remaining in Kansas City on Friday, Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith identifies six dark horses who could become this year's Sundell or Kallerup with a strong performance versus the Chiefs and/or certain dominos falling on final cutdown day.
Where Do Jacardia Wright, Bubble Players Stand as Seahawks Approach 53-Man Cutdown?
On the heels of a 19-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans in their second preseason game, the Seattle Seahawks have one dress rehearsal left in Kansas City before final cutdown day, putting a ton of pressure on several players aiming to make the 53-man roster.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith examines the cases of 12 different 'Hawks, including a pair of running backs and receivers still entrenched in a tight competition, for making the team and where things stand with one more preseason game left to play at Arrowhead Stadium.
WATCH: Sounders Snap Eight-Game Losing Streak, Draw with Cincinnati Despite Rotated Team
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali breaks down the Seattle Sounders’ 1-1 draw at FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.
The result marked the end of a franchise-worst eight-game MLS losing streak as Kalani Kossa-Rienzi bagged the equalizer in the 83rd minute off service from Albert Rusnak. Seattle also managed to split the points with a heavily rotated squad that saw Stuart Hawkins and Ryan Sailor notch 90-minute games while winger Paul Rothrock wore the captain’s armband for the first time.
Has Separation Season Arrived for Montorie Foster Jr. Entering Seahawks’ Joint Practice vs. Titans?
Turning heads since the start of training camp and becoming one of the stars of HBO’s Hard Knocks, Montorie Foster Jr. has evolved from a feel-good story to a legit threat to earn a spot on the Seahawks 53-man roster.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith discusses how the former Michigan State standout has kept stacking quality days on the practice field and how he could create the last push of separation at a crowded receiver position needed to secure a spot on the 53 with a strong showing against the Titans in Nashville in the upcoming Friday joint practice and Sunday’s second preseason game.
WATCH: Sounders, Reign Drop Midweek Matches; Rave Green Lose Eighth Straight
The Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign both lost 2-1 on Wednesday, with the Sounders falling to MLS foe Austin FC at Lumen Field and the Reign losing to NWSL side Racing Louisville on the road.
The Sounders (7-9-3) dropped their franchise-record eighth MLS game in a row, falling to 12th in the Western Conference. Though young center back Stuart Hawkins scored late, the Rave Green were unable to cope with a rotated Austin team focused on its Leagues Cup run despite narrowly winning the expected-goal battle and outshooting the visitors.
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer backed the effort his injury-riddled team is putting in during this streak, but watched as All-Star center back Jackson Ragen exited the game early with a hyperextended knee. Schmetzer clarified that Ragen’s removal was precautionary.
At any rate, Seattle is now missing Cristian Roldan, Pedro de la Vega, Yeimar, Paul Arriola, Ragen, Jesus Ferreira and Jordan Morris with a trip to FC Cincinnati looming on Saturday. Cristian Roldan and Morris could make a return by that fixture.
As for the Reign (8-8-3), Wednesday marked another lost lead as Seattle couldn’t defend the advantage generated by leading scorer Maddie Mercado’s (seven goals in 2026) early goal. Instead, Louisville’s USWNT team star Emma Sears ran riot for a brace, scoring two goals against the run of play as Laura Harvey’s squad failed to deliver on a large xG night for the second game in a row.
The Reign, who suffered just their second loss since the June World Cup break, will also play again on Saturday as they head to defending Shield-winning Kansas City.
WATCH: Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Roster Crystallizes After Several Transfer Portal Additions
Three experienced transfers are officially heading to Spokane: “5-in-5” transfers Javon Bennett and Chauncey Wiggins, and Skylar Wicks, who earned an eligibility waiver from the NCAA.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Howard Woodard analyzes Gonzaga’s newest roster additions and other pending options as the Zags' 2026-27 personnel nears completion.
Abraham Lucas, John Benton Share Unique Bond With Seahawks Through Football and Music
Super Bowl champions Abraham Lucas and John Benton have hit it off since Day 1 since they paired up with the Seattle Seahawks offensive line coach's arrival in 2025, building a unique relationship with a shared love for heavy metal music. Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith catches up with Lucas and Benton from the VMAC to dive into their evolving coach/player chemistry going into their second season working together, discuss the importance of developing a rapport between coaches and players beyond what happens on the field and in the film room, pick a metal theme song for several coaches and teammates, and more!
Kraken the Ice: Busting Out the Trade Machine Seeking Mid-August Upgrades
It's a slow time of the year on the NHL calendar, but it's not out of the question to see trades in the heat of August as teams continue to tweak their rosters for the rapidly approaching new season.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks out the trade machine exploring three different deals the Kraken could do to improve their team and/or add draft capital for the future in a jam-packed Kraken the Ice, including the latest idea to move former top-five pick Shane Wright to a hated rival.
WATCH: Reign ‘Suffocate' Chicago, Grind Out 1-0 Win on Pride Night
SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Reign managed their most dominant showing of the season on Friday night, compiling 3.3 expected goals thanks to a 24-5 shot disparity over the last-place Chicago Stars. But by full-time, Maddie Mercado’s 53rd-minute goal ended up being the decider in a 1-0 game that should have had every making of a blowout.
The result puts the Reign at 8-7-3, back into the playoff picture with 12 games left. Beyond helping their place in the table, it also marked a different kind of win for Seattle, which had scored multiple goals in its past five matches and had to defend leads by scoring more.
The younger Reign squad instead had to burn clock and keep possession on Friday night to ensure they earned a win on a night where they underperformed on the offensive end.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali breaks down how the Reign looked so dominant despite the close scoreline.
The Montlake Report: Huskies’ Defense Brings Back Big Weapon Thanks to ‘5-in-5’ Ruling
The Washington Huskies football team brought back Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei after he was granted an additional year under the recently passed ‘5-in-5’ rule, while safety Alex McLaughlin and Ramzak Fruean dominated at Day 4 of UW fall camp.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down everything he saw and heard at the second padded practice from Huskies' camp, including how Uiagalelei’s return will bolster Washington’s front line and further improve a group that is expected to take a big leap in 2026.
WATCH: Reign Split Points with Angel City in Thriller Battle For Last Playoff Spot
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali breaks down a 2-2 Sunday draw between the Seattle Reign (7-7-3, 9th in NWSL) and Angel City FC (7-7-3, 8th in NWSL).
Attacking midfielder Sally Menti and striker Mia Fishel each finished with a goal and assist as the Reign scored their two goals within two minutes of each other in the early second half. The result marks the second straight game Seattle has managed to change a result by scoring in the second half — something the Reign have struggled with in 2026. Fishel’s goal, a curling shot to the top-left corner in the 52nd minute, was a showstopper as the 24-year-old finds her footing with her third goal of the season.
Angel City substitute Prisca Chilufya scored a floating goal in the 72nd, however, to equalize before both teams missed out on late chances at a winner in stoppage.
Seattle remains out of the playoff picture with 13 games to play by virtue of Angel City having a better goal differential. The Reign will be back in action at Lumen Field at 7 p.m. on Friday against the Chicago Stars.
The Montlake Report: Huskies Gear Up for Fall Camp as 2026 Season Approaches
Closing in on the start of the 2026 college football season, the Washington Huskies hope to take the next step forward as a College Football Playoff contender in year three under coach Jedd Fisch.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down what he heard from coaches and players at Media Day as the Huskies prepare for a new season with high expectations as Fisch returns with plenty of offensive firepower - including quarterback Demond Williams back under center - and intriguing defensive additions to the roster.
Camp Takeaways: Jalen Milroe Continues to Impress, Seahawks Ready to Use Multitude of 2-Back Sets
Back in pads for the third time so far in training camp, the Seattle Seahawks once again saw a step forward from second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe, while the defense held serve after a couple of standout practices for the offense.
Reporter Corbin Smith teams up with Dan Viens of Seahawks Forever to dish out their thoughts on what they saw and heard in Seattle's ninth training camp practice, including Milroe's growing confidence playing the quarterback position, Brian Fleury's comments about implementing multiple two-back sets into his offensive scheme, and Rylie Mills' continued dominance in his first healthy NFL training camp.
WATCH: Timbers Strike Late, Extend Sounders' Streak of Misery to 6 Games
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali details a 2-1 Seattle Sounders loss at the Portland Timbers on Saturday night, dropping the Rave Green into a franchise-worst six-game losing streak and to a 7-7-3 record. Portland also leapfrogged Seattle in the standings, occupying the eighth and final spot in the MLS playoff picture with three months to play.
Dickey Stars in Return as Reign Hold Off Wave for Quality Road Win
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali details a 2-0 win for the Seattle Reign (6-7-2, 10th in NWSL) over the 4th-place San Diego Wave (9-6-2) on Sunday afternoon. Keeper Claudia Dickey managed a career-high nine saves to earn the clean sheet while midfielder Ainsley McCammon became the youngest player in NWSL history to net multiple assists in a single game.
The result put a 3-2 loss in which Seattle blew a 2-0 lead to Gotham last week behind the Reign as leading scorer Maddie Mercado (17’) scored for a third straight game while center back Jordyn Bugg (20’) netted her first goal of the season. Head coach Laura Harvey also became the first coach in league history to reach 100 regular-season wins with the same club.
The Reign head to Bay FC next on August 1 before returning to Lumen Field on August 9 for a bout with Angel City FC. Seattle is two points out of a playoff spot at the midway point of the season.
Kraken the Ice: Is Seattle Thinking Playoffs After Roster Overhaul This Offseason?
Coming up short of a playoff berth last season, the Kraken hope that a handful of moves to shake up their roster this offseason will take them back to the postseason, including trading for Mackie Samoskevich. But did they do enough to get back into the fight for Lord Stanley's cup?
Emerald City Spectrum writers Nick Lee and Josh Frojelin discuss Seattle's potential playoff prospects as the offseason continues in the NHL and if the team has done enough to be a threat in the Pacific Division, check in on the moves made by the rest of the division over the past few months, and examine possible sale candidates at the next year's deadline if Seattle fails to contend.
Seahawks Confident Nick Emmanwori Will Be Ready for Season Opener vs. Patriots
Despite undergoing surgery in the week leading up to report day for training camp, the Seattle Seahawks don’t have any concerns about safety Nick Emmanwori’s availability to kick off the season with a Super Bowl LX rematch against the New England Patriots.
According to sources connected with the player, Emmanwori underwent arthroscopic surgery during the past week to clean up his right ankle, which still had been providing some lingering discomfort for him even though he participated in OTAs and mandatory minicamp this spring. It’s unclear whether the procedure stems from a high ankle sprain that he suffered early in his rookie season or a separate lower ankle sprain suffered in practice during Super Bowl week back in February, but it could be a cumulative situation with both injuries happening on the same leg.
On Monday, Seattle placed Emmanwori on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, deactivating him while keeping him on the 90-man roster as he recovers. Given the timing of the surgery, he will likely miss at least the first few weeks of training camp and playing at all in the preseason seems improbable, but per team sources, the Seahawks expect he will be back at some point in August, allowing him to ramp up with plenty of time to work back into game shape before the season opener.
WATCH: Sounders Drop Fourth Straight Against Austin, Ragen to Miss Next Two Matches
If you didn’t think it could get worse than a 5-1 loss to Portland, Wednesday was a stark reminder it truly can.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali recaps the Seattle Sounders’ 3-1 loss at 14th-place Austin FC, in which the home team scored twice after the 85th minute. It was a 95-degree night in Texas full of frustration, boiling to All-Star center back Jackson Ragen picking up two frustration-fueled yellow cards to ensure he misses the next two fixtures, including an August 1 rematch with Portland.
WATCH: Sounders Unravel for Worst Loss to Timbers in MLS Era
The Seattle Sounders, fresh off six weeks away from MLS play for the FIFA World Cup, came into a Thursday night home bout with their archnemesis, the Portland Timbers, looking to start the summer run strong.
Not only did they not accomplish that feat, but the Sounders (7-4-3, 6th in Western Conference) lost 5-1.
It’s already being labeled the worst loss to Portland in franchise history, as striker Kevin Kelsy bagged a brace. Seattle midfielder Hassani Dotson scored off a set-piece header late with the game far out of reach.
The Timbers (5-8-2, 7th) worked the wide areas to death, scoring three goals in seven minutes early in the second half to completely demoralize Seattle. The nearly 36,000 fans in attendance, a franchise best this season, left in droves.
After the game, head coach Brian Schmetzer took accountability as his team, down key pieces like Cristian Roldan and Alex Roldan, was simply out-competed in the biggest derby game of the season. Players cleared out of the locker room quickly postgame, seemingly opting to process the stunning result on their own.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Qasim Ali attempts to make sense of the landslide defeat.
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