Russell Wilson: Seahawks Rookie QB Set to Start vs. Kansas City

The Seattle Seahawks will go with rookie quarterback Russell Wilson as the signal-caller for their preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team’s decision via Twitter. 

"

When Seattle plays at Kansas City on Friday night, its starting quarterback will be rookie Russell Wilson.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2012"

Wilson was taken in the third round out of Wisconsin and has impressed during the team’s preseason activities. He immediately put himself in contention with incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson and newly-signed Matt Flynn in one of the more interesting quarterback competitions across the NFL.

Flynn has been the presumed starter, as he has led the team on its opening drive in each of the first two preseason games. The starting job appears to be a two-man race now between Flynn and Wilson.

Against the Tennessee Titans, Flynn went 11-of-13 for 71 yards with an interception. Wilson then came on and completed 12 of his 16 passes for 124 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The team’s next game was against the Denver Broncos, and Flynn completed six passes on 13 attempts for just 31 yards. Wilson stepped up and went 10-of-17 for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Wilson also has 92 rushing yards and one touchdown on eight carries during the two games.

The decision by Pete Carroll does not mean that Wilson will be the starter heading into the regular season, but the rookie certainly is not out of contention.

He has showed plenty of promise and has earned the opportunity to start against the Chiefs. If he keeps playing as well as he has been, it will be difficult for Carroll to keep him off the field.