RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls will not play in the team's third preseason game, but he'll be ready to go in Week 1, coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.
"Thomas looks really good," Carroll said. "I have no hesitation in telling you he's going to play in the opener. I have no hesitation in saying that. We'll see what happens next week. He won't play in this game."
The Seahawks close out the preseason on Sept. 1 against the Oakland Raiders. The team will decide next week whether Rawls will play in that game.
After undergoing offseason ankle surgery, Rawls began training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but he's made steady progress throughout the summer. Rawls has been a full practice participant this week. He has said he doesn't need the preseason to be ready for Week 1.
"The way I look at practice is the same thing as a game," Rawls said. "So when I come out here to practice, it's like a game to me. I run hard, I finish my runs, I look for the contact. I know the guy is coming to strip the ball so I have to keep it high and tight.
"Whenever my number is called, if I'm out there. I'm out there. If I'm not, I know I will be ready by the first game."
After rushing for 830 yards as a rookie and leading the NFL in yards per carry (5.65), Rawls is in line to be the Seahawks' starter in 2016.