SEATTLE, WA – In a disappointing Sunday Night Football matchup at Lumen Field, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith left the game with a knee injury during the third quarter of a 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Smith, who had been performing well before the injury, was hit low by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper while attempting a pass. The hit appeared to twist Smith’s right knee, leading to visible discomfort as he was helped off the field. He was officially listed as questionable to return but did not re-enter the game. Instead, backup quarterback Sam Howell took over, struggling in Smith’s absence with a completion rate of 5 out of 14 for 24 yards, including an interception.
Head coach Mike Macdonald spoke post-game about Smith’s condition, stating that while the knee seems structurally okay, further tests were scheduled for Monday to determine the full extent of the injury. “I’ll tell you this, this guy’s probably the toughest player I’ve been around,” Macdonald commented, emphasizing Smith’s resilience. Despite the initial optimism, the severity of the injury remains unclear, impacting the Seahawks’ strategy moving forward, especially with crucial games on the horizon.
This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Seahawks, who had been riding a four-game winning streak and were tied for first place in the NFC West. With Smith’s status uncertain for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, the team’s playoff hopes might hinge on how well they can adapt to potentially missing their key quarterback. The Seahawks’ ability to protect their quarterback was also under scrutiny, having allowed seven sacks in this game, a stark contrast to their performance the previous week against the Arizona Cardinals.
The loss not only puts Seattle in a precarious position in the division standings but also raises questions about their roster depth and the readiness of Howell to step up if Smith is sidelined for any length of time. The Seahawks, now at 8-6, are in a tie with the Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in their division, with the Rams holding the advantage due to a previous head-to-head win.
As the team prepares for their next match, all eyes will be on Geno Smith’s recovery updates. His performance has been vital this season, with Smith ranking second in the league in attempts, completions, and passing yards before the injury. The Seahawks’ fans and management alike will be anxiously awaiting the results of Smith’s medical evaluations, as his health could significantly influence the team’s playoff trajectory.
