The Seattle Seahawks received a huge sigh of relief on Monday, as further testing revealed quarterback Geno Smith’s right knee injury is not as severe as initially feared. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism that the resilient Smith will be ready to go for the team’s crucial matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this coming Sunday.
Geno Smith’s Toughness Shines Through
Smith, who has been a revelation for the Seahawks this season, went down in the third quarter of Sunday night’s 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers after a low hit from linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. While the play looked ugly in real-time, Macdonald noted that Smith is already back in the facility working through the injury.
Geno’s a beast, man. He’s in here working out in the morning, working through it…this guy’s tough as nails.
– Coach Mike Macdonald on Geno Smith’s toughness and work ethic
While Smith is still feeling the effects, the team is hopeful he’ll be able to practice throughout the week and be ready for game day. His presence will be absolutely vital as the Seahawks cling to slim playoff hopes in a loaded NFC.
Sam Howell Struggles in Relief Duty
If Smith is ultimately unable to go, the Seahawks will turn to rookie Sam Howell, who was acquired via trade in the offseason. Howell saw his first extended NFL action in relief of Smith on Sunday night, and to put it bluntly, he struggled mightily.
The young signal-caller completed just 5 of his 14 pass attempts for a meager 24 yards, while also tossing an interception. He was under constant duress, getting sacked four times as the Packers pinned their ears back with a big lead.
I was hoping he’d play better, frankly, just to get us back in the game, move the ball a little bit more. But he was put in a tough spot where they know that we’re throwing and we know we’re throwing, so they’re rocking and rolling doing their stuff.
– Coach Macdonald’s blunt assessment of Sam Howell’s performance
Despite the rough outing, Macdonald remains confident in the rookie’s mental and physical toughness. However, there’s no question the Seahawks’ chances of pulling off an upset over the Vikings increase exponentially if Smith is able to tough it out and play.
Other Injury Updates: Walker III, Oluwatimi
On the Seahawks’ other injury fronts, star rookie running back Ken Walker III has now missed two straight games with a calf issue. Macdonald said the dynamic playmaker was feeling good after a workout Monday, and his status for practice will be evaluated on Wednesday.
Seattle also lost starting center Olu Oluwatimi to a knee/quad injury in the first half against Green Bay. Macdonald called the center “day-to-day” and noted how well his replacement, undrafted rookie Jalen Sundell, acquitted himself in emergency duty.
He did a nice job…he operated it well. A couple plays that maybe it took him a minute to get his feet wet, get ready to go in his first meaningful action at center. But he had some really good plays as well, so he did a nice job.
– Coach Macdonald complimentary of rookie center Jalen Sundell
Nevertheless, the Seahawks will be hoping both Smith and Oluwatimi, two of their most consistent offensive performers, will be ready to suit up for this do-or-die matchup against Minnesota. At 5-7, Seattle has very little margin for error and needs their stars on the field as they look to keep their postseason aspirations alive heading into the stretch run.
