SEAHAWKS-RAIDERS
Seahawks close exhibition season with 23-21 win over Raiders
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Robinson returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a 23-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders in the preseason finale Thursday night.
With most of Seattle’s starters only playing one series and the bulk of Oakland’s first-stringers sitting out the entire game, there was little star power on the field.
The first touchdown came early in the fourth quarter on the third turnover in a five-play span. After George Atkinson III and Trevone Boykin traded fumbles, Oakland rookie quarterback Connor Cook was pressured on a rollout. Robinson stepped in front of the pass and returned it for the score that made it 9-8.
Seattle running back Thomas Rawls made his preseason debut with two carries for 7 yards in his first game action since breaking his ankle last December. Coach Pete Carroll has said he expects Rawls to be ready when the season starts on September 11th.
Garry Gilliam and J’Marcus Webb rotated at right tackle as Seattle waits to determine who will start when the season begins.
KAEPERNICK-ANTHEM
Kaepernick, 49ers teammate kneel during national anthem
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid kneeled during the national anthem Thursday night, continuing the quarterback’s preseason protest of American racial injustice and minority oppression.
Kaepernick and Reid dropped to one knee while a naval officer sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and dozens of military members unfurled an oversized flag at the Chargers’ Qualcomm Stadium.
Kaepernick received scattered boos when he dropped to a knee, but the protest was otherwise unremarked by the San Diego crowd. The 49ers’ visit coincided with the annual Salute to the Military preseason game for the Chargers, who have strong fan support in their city’s extensive armed forces community.
Kaepernick got much heavier boos when he took the field to start the game for the 49ers.
In Oakland, Seahawks defensive back Jeremy Lane also didn’t stand for the anthem.
SAINTS-UNGER
AP source: Saints, Unger agree to multiyear extension
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the New Orleans Saints and center Max Unger have agreed on a multiyear extension.
The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday night on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
Unger, acquired by New Orleans before last season in a trade that sent star tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle, was entering the final season of his previous contract, which was set to count more than $6 million against the salary cap. His extension could provide the Saints with more space under the salary cap this season on the heels of the club’s agreement to sign free agent defensive end Paul Kruger.
The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com first reported Unger’s extension.
Unger started every game for the Saints last season and is entering his eighth NFL season. He has been elected twice to Pro Bowls, both times when he was with Seattle.
OREGON ST-MINNESOTA
Minnesota hangs on for 30-23 victory over Oregon State
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rodney Smith rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns and Minnesota overcame three ejections for targeting to beat Oregon State 30-23 Thursday night.
Smith scored on runs of 4 and 2 yards, the last coming in the fourth quarter to put the Gophers in front 24-23. Mitch Leidner was erratic as ever in going 13 for 26 for 130 yards. But he rushed for 76 yard and two scores, the last a 1-yard run with 1:27 left to give the Gophers a seven-point cushion.
The Gophers lost linebackers Cody Poock and Jonathan Celestin, and defensive end Tai’yon Devers to targeting penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits. But the short-handed defense held Oregon State scoreless for the final 15 minutes.
Darrell Garretson threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns for Oregon State. The junior transfer lost two fumbles on crunching sacks by Devers in the first half, but Garretson bounced back to keep the Beavers in it. He threw TDs to Noah Togiai, Victor Bolden and Tim Cook.
Up next, the Beavers get next week off before hosting Idaho State for their home opener on September 17th.
BBM-RAINIERS-GRIZZLIES
Tacoma draws 10 walks to edge Fresno 2-1
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Ryan Strausborger hit a walk-off single in the 14th inning, as the Tacoma Rainiers topped the Fresno Grizzlies 2-1 on Thursday.
James Ramsey scored the game-winning run after he led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a single by Tyler Smith.
In the top of the seventh, Fresno broke a scoreless tie on a single by Colin Moran that scored Max Stassi. Tacoma answered in the eighth inning when Mike Freeman hit an RBI single, bringing home Norichika Aoki.
Tacoma starter Jarrett Grube struck out six and walked four while allowing three hits over six scoreless innings. Paul Fry (3-1) got the win with four innings of scoreless relief while Eury De La Rosa (0-3) took the loss in the Pacific Coast League game.
Tacoma took advantage of some erratic Fresno pitching, drawing a season-high 10 walks in its victory.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
