"If it were a regular season game, Pete Carroll said, then running back Marshawn Lynch would probably make a strong case for himself to start.

But the Seahawks coach said Lynch's sore ankle is enough to keep him out of the team's preseason game Saturday against the Denver Broncos. Lynch didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

"We're going to rest him this week and make sure we get him well," Carroll said. "If we were playing a game, I know he would be chomping at the bit to play, but I think it's good to hold him back for now."

Lynch had just three carries against Minnesota last week while the rest of the first-team offense played the entire first half. But there was no indication from Carroll at the time that Lynch's limited playing time was health-related.

Middle linebacker David Hawthorne (knee) won't play, either. Rookie K.J. Wright will start in his spot.

"This is an exciting opportunity for him, and to see him play with the first group," Carroll said. "He really stepped it up and tried to play with the fellas, and it'll be interesting to see how well he does."

Carroll also said defensive end Dexter Davis (hip) and safety Kam Chancellor (sore foot) are not expected to play. Josh Pinkard will start at strong safety in place of Chancellor."