The stage is set for the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers preseason opener on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced that Geno Smith would be the starting quarterback for the teams preseason opener in Pittsburgh on Saturday. This comes as no surprise as Smith has ran with the first team throughout camp, leaving Drew Lock with the second team. Seattle is entering their first season without Russell Wilson since he was selected by the team in 2012.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday that Mitch Trubisky would be the teams starting quarterback in the matchup. Many Steelers fans were hoping to see rookie QB Kenny Pickett suit up with the starters, but he’ll battle against Drew Lock and the Seahawks reserves instead. The Steelers are entering their first season without QB Ben Roethlisberger, who retired over the offseason after 18 seasons with the club.

The Hawks don’t have high expectations from many fans and analysts around the league, but their rookie class has impressed in training camp thus far. Rookie cornerbacks Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen have been given reps with the starters, holding their own with the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Always Compete‼️ @_Tariqwoolen #SeahawksCamp x @Boeing pic.twitter.com/eDYB0q8FPR — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 10, 2022

Always Compete‼️ @_Tariqwoolen #SeahawksCamp x @Boeing pic.twitter.com/eDYB0q8FPR

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 10, 2022

Ninth overall pick Charles Cross, the left tackle out of Mississippi State, has firmly cemented himself as a day one starter. Rookie running back Kenneth Walker III has been impressive throughout camp, earning reps with the starters in what should be a big rookie season.

The Steelers and Seahawks will kick off new eras in their franchises on Saturday at 4pm. Bellingham listeners can get full game coverage on KGMI AM790 beginning at 2pm with the pregame show.