The Oakland Raiders wrap up the preseason tomorrow night in Seattle as they take on the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.
While starters typically don't play much in the preseason finale, other position battles take center stage as players make their final push to show why they deserve to make the 53-man roster.
That being said, here are five players to keep an eye on tomorrow night as the Silver and Black wrap up the preseason in the Pacific Northwest.
Defensive End Mario Edwards Jr.
After a productive week of practice, Edwards impressed during the team's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, totaling 2 total sacks and making his presence felt around the Arizona quarterbacks all night.
He and defensive end Khalil Mack combined for 4 sacks on the evening, and demonstrated the type of one-two punch that the team envisioned when they selected Edwards in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Ending the preseason on a high note would be a solid accomplishment for Edwards, and would provide positive momentum for him heading into Week 1.
Tackle Austin Howard
With Menelik Watson now on Injured Reserve and set to miss the 2015 season, Austin Howard now climbs up the depth chart to start at right tackle.
Howard is an experienced lineman with 48 career starts to his name, but he is returning to the outside after spending his first year in Silver and Black as a guard.
However, Head Coach Jack Del Rio is not concerned about Howard acclimating to playing more snaps in Watson's absence.
"He's been getting time in the position, so it's not a matter of getting time," said Head Coach Del Rio Tuesday. "He played maybe more than he would have the other night, but we'll make decisions on who's going to play and how much they're going to play as we get closer to the game."
Running Back Taiwan Jones
With the return of Roy Helu, Jr., Jones only played nine offensive snaps against the Cardinals.
However, all through training camp and the preseason, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has lauded Jones' speed and versatility on the offensive side of the football, so seeing if he earns more snaps on offense, and what his role will be going forward, will be something interesting to keep an eye on.
Safety Taylor Mays
Mays joined the Raiders one week ago, and just days after his addition to the roster he played 23 snaps on defense and four on special teams during the team's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
Thursday's game will be critical for the veteran safety, as he tries to put something positive on tape and show the Raiders coaching staff that he deserves to make the team.
Expect to see Mays get a good amount of playing time Thursday night in Seattle.
The Quartet of Kick Returners
Okay, this final addition isn't just one player, but a group of players.
Since the preseason began, the Raiders have trotted out several players to return kicks and punts, without one clearly pulling ahead and seizing the job.
Now that the team has parted ways with Trindon Holliday and Trent Richardson, expect to see TJ Carrie, Taiwan Jones, George Atkinson III and even Devon Wylie in the mix to win the job at kick returner.
A solid performance Thursday night by any one of these players would go a long way in solidifying the position for the Silver and Black as they prepare to open the regular season.
