SEATTLE — — Geno Smith’s brief preseason appearance only heightened expectations for what he could add to Seattle’s offense when the games start counting.

Smith shined in his only series of the preseason, throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, helping the Seahawks beat the Cleveland Browns 37-33 on Saturday night.

“Made some great throws. Seemed decisive. The plan was to go for a couple of runs, but I think we saw enough after the five good plays,” Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said.

Both teams rarely played a starter and some, like Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson, were spectators all evening, leaving both teams with reserves who played most of the final exhibition game of the season.

Smith had watched from the sidelines in Seattle’s first two preseason games, but finally got a taste of the offense on the field under new coordinator Ryan Grubb. Smith was 4 of 5 passing for 62 yards on his lone drive. After missing his first throw, Smith connected on his next four, including a 25-yard strike to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a TD throw to Metcalf.

Kenny McIntosh, who was in contention for the third spot on Seattle’s running back list, threw a 56-yard touchdown run, also collecting an open-field stiff arm from Cleveland safety Chase Williams.

“I definitely had it in the bag, but that’s one of the things that (assistant) coach (Kennedy Polamalu) stresses, is the little things. That’s one of the little things that we always work on (is) stiff arming,” McIntosh said.

Injury-prone wide receiver Dee Eskridge may have given himself a chance to make the 53-man roster. He showed his speed and elusiveness that once earned him a second-round pick when he dashed down the field and scored a 79-yard touchdown on a punt return for Seattle (2-1).

Sam Howell was 6 of 9 for 45 yards in relief of Smith, but saw a 73-yard TD pass to Cody White reversed on a penalty. Jason Myers looked set for the regular season with field goals of 58, 51 and 47 yards.

Jameis Winston played the first two series at QB for Cleveland (0-3) before giving way to Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the remainder of the first half. Thompson-Robinson was 11 of 20 for 115 yards and a 46-yard TD pass to Jamari Thrash.

Tyler Huntley played the second half and was 17 of 22 for 146 yards and three TDs. Huntley hit Michael Woods II on TDs of 12 and 17 yards, the second with 8 seconds left.

“Everything is tough. Every decision is tough. That’s a good selection. That’s a good problem to have when you’re making tough decisions,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Watson was one of several Browns starters watching the preseason finale from the sidelines. Joel Bitonio, Amani Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II were among Cleveland’s starters watching.

Stefanski said Watson wanted to play but decided his starting QB would join them because there were so many offensive starters who didn’t participate.

“I just didn’t feel like it was the best thing to have him play in this setting,” Stefanski said. “I feel confident that he’s been working all spring and summer and he’s ready to go Week 1.”

Five starters on Cleveland’s defense — Shelby Harris, Za’Darius Smith, Devin Bush, Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill — saw action in the first quarter before being subbed off as reserves.

Most of Seattle’s defense saw action on only one series, and their departure may have been hastened by outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu suffering a knee injury on the game’s fourth play.

Injuries

Nwosu was injured on a chop block when he was cut by guard Wyatt Teller while simultaneously being blocked by Jerome Ford. Nwosu sat on the bench for most of the first half before heading to the locker room. He missed most of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.

While Nwosu appeared to be fine, the Seahawks watched as backup cornerback Artie Burns was carted to the locker room with a left foot/ankle injury. Burns was not expected to start, but he was expected to be a key part of Seattle’s defense.

Macdonald said they would know more about Nwosu and Burns in the coming days.

Cleveland running back D’Onta Foreman left the field in the first half with a rib injury and did not return. Foreman suffered a scary neck injury earlier in training camp. Cornerback Justin Hardee was evaluated for a concussion in the second half.

Expulsion for the season

Cleveland linebacker Winston Reid was ejected in the second quarter after being assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty. Reid appeared to lead with his helmet on a hit on Seattle wide receiver Easop Winston Jr.

Next

Browns: Season opener September 8 at home against Dallas.

Seahawks: Season opener September 8 at home against Denver.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl