Jalen Milroe to start, play entire Seahawks vs. Packers preseason game

Ahead of the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers, head coach Mike Macdonald announced Jalen Milroe would start. He also said the former Alabama star will play the entire game.

Seattle selected Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has appeared in both preseason contests so far. He has completed 9-of-15 passes for 107 yards while adding 56 rushing yards on the gorund.

Now, he’s going to get to play an entire game. Macdonald told reporters of that plan Thursday as the Seahawks made their final preparations for Saturday’s matchup.

“Jalen’s going to start the game at quarterback. He’s going to play the whole game,” Macdonald said, via the team website. “It’s going to be awesome.”

The Seahawks notably brought in Sam Darnold this offseason after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the expectation is Drew Lock will be the primary backup. That leaves Milroe as the third quarterback on the roster.

Macdonald cited the need to get the rookie quarterback reps in a game setting. Saturday’s game presents an opportunity to do just that.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity for him to get great experience,” Macdonald said. “All rookies they need reps. They need experience and Jalen was right there. I know he’s really excited for the opportunity and he’s going to do a great job. So go out and operate the offense and go play ball the way you know how.”

Sam Darnold: Jalen Milroe is ‘so gifted’

Jalen Milroe became an interesting prospect in this year’s draft after two years as Alabama’s starting quarterback. During that time, he totaled 5,678 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in the air. He also had 1,257 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns.

That playmaking ability with both his arms and his legs is part of what made Milroe stand out during the pre-draft process. Sam Darnold acknowledged that athleticism and said the former Alabama star is also doing what’s necessary off the field to be successful.

“I think for him, he’s so gifted,” Darnold said. “Passing, going on the run, running, making guys miss down the field but for him, what’s impressed me the most is just sitting in the pocket and some of the throws that’s he’s able to make.

“I feel like the practice that we had a couple days ago, he had a really beautiful seam ball to Elijah [Arroyo], down the seam for a touchdown and he continues to make those throws every single day. And then the work that he’s putting in off the field to be able to learn the system a little bit more, he’s clearly putting in the work and you’re starting to see it pay dividends on the field.”