1\. Assuming the starters play some, how do Sam Darnold and the offense look in their first game action together?
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While Macdonald didn't outright declare that quarterback Sam Darnold will play, he did offer this answer when asked if he needs to see Darnold play in the preseason: "I don't think we need to, but I think it's the best thing for us."
And later, when asked about receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, he said it's the same for them as with everyone else, "I'm looking forward to seeing our team go let it rip and then we can kind of move from there. These guys have been working their tails off. Talking to guys on the sideline, it's hard for them to watch the game and not be a part of it, so I think they're excited to go out there."
So if you read between the lines, it sure sounds like just about every offensive starter will at least get a little bit of playing time Friday night. That means this will be the first chance to see the new-look starting offense that offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is leading. That offense, playing without most of its starters, got off to a good start, scoring 16 first-half points without Darnold, Kupp, Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker, AJ Barner, Charles Cross and a lot of other top players. Now we likely will get a first look at the offense at close to full strength.
"I'm excited to see these guys demonstrate what they've been doing, and they've earned it," Macdonald said. "They've earned that opportunity to go let it rip out there and show what they can do to the rest of the world."