Seahawks start Milroe in preseason finale, plan package reps

The Seattle Seahawks gave rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe his first NFL start on Saturday, sending him out for the full preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers. Milroe delivered a mixed but instructive performance, completing 13 of 24 passes for 148 yards with a touchdown, and adding 31 rushing yards on seven carries. He was also sacked five times and fumbled three times in Seattle’s 20-7 loss. The game marked Milroe’s longest and most consequential exposure to NFL competition to date, and it came with a clear message from the coaching staff: Milroe will continue to be integrated into the offense with designed packages and regular reps.

Milroe arrived in Seattle as a dynamic prospect who starred at Alabama, where he authored nearly 5,700 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, and more than 1,200 rushing yards with 32 rushing scores over two seasons as a starter. In Seattle, he has been working behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, with the Seahawks’ plan to gradually increase his exposure. Ahead of the finale, head coach Mike Macdonald announced that Milroe would start and play the entire game, emphasizing the importance of game reps for the rookie. “Jalen’s going to start...