FREEMAN, BOOKER CANDIDATES FOR STARTING RB

Head coach Vance Joseph has not named a starting running back for the season opener against Seattle and he continues to make it sound like his announcement — whenever it arrives — is not a big deal. He reiterated that Royce Freeman and Devontae Booker are the two candidates.

“It’s not a focus of mine right now because it’s going to take 34 guys (to produce),” Joseph said. “If we run a power play against Seattle on firstand10, it’s probably going to be Royce (starting). If we go empty and throw a quick pass, it may be ‘Book’ (starting). Who the lead guy is doesn’t really matter.”

Joseph did not declare Freeman or Booker out for the Arizona game and admitted it is a balance when dealing with a rookie like Freeman, who could benefit from a few more preseason snaps.

Leary ready.

Left guard Ron Leary (knee) practiced for the second consecutive day. He missed preseason games against Minnesota and Washington and is not expected to play against Arizona. Joseph said Leary is “absolutely” on track to start Sept. 9 against Seattle.

Cravens set to play.

Safety Su’a Cravens (knee) went through a second consecutive practice.

Joseph said Cravens’ knee responded “really well,” after Monday’s workout. “He felt fine (Tuesday) morning so the hope is that he can play Thursday night,” Joseph said.

Footnotes.

Not practicing Tuesday were safety Jordan Moore, cornerback Marcus Rios, tight end Troy Fumagalli, guard J.J. Dielman and offensive tackle Andreas Knappe. Safety Darian Stewart returned after getting Monday off. … Linebacker Jerrol GarciaWilliams got a cart ride to the locker room because of a knee injury sustained in oneonone work.