The Seahawks’ success in recent seasons has revolved around Geno Smith, but as the team took on the Packers in Week 15, its starting quarterback went down with an injury.
Smith left the Seahawks’ Sunday night contest against Green Bay in the third quarter following a hit to his lower legs.
As Sam Howell stepped in under center for Seattle, Smith was ruled “questionable” to return by Seattle with a knee injury, but after going to the locker room, he came out and remained on the bench, grimacing and shaking his head in discomfort. Smith didn’t return to the game, watching as Green Bay pulled away for a 30-13 victory.
Here are the latest updates on Smith after he left Sunday’s matchup against the Packers.
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Geno Smith injury update vs. Packers
Around the midway point of the third quarter, Seattle trailed Green Bay 20-3, looking to get back in the game. Smith dropped back to make a pass, but he quickly faced pressure on a first down.
As two Packers defenders converged on him, LB Edgerrin Cooper got to Smith first, reaching his legs on a diving tackle attempt and appearing to grab at Smith’s right ankle.
Smith left for the sidelines after the play, with Howell subbing in.
Geno Smith went down with what looks to be a lower leg injury after this play. He was able to walk off of the field with help from trainers. pic.twitter.com/0Hgv7YK4WK
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 16, 2024
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Soon after, Smith went back to Seattle’s locker room. The team ruled him “questionable” to return with a knee injury, but that marked the end of his night.
NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark reported that after Smith returned to the sideline, he tried to jog in place, but he quickly found a spot on the bench, where he grimaced in pain. At one point, he could be seen shaking his head in discomfort.
Geno Smith isn’t okay… he has been grimacing on the sideline for the last 5 minutes 😬 pic.twitter.com/AsBLLB7EtH
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) December 16, 2024
After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Smith’s injury “looks like it’s OK” structurally, but the quarterback will get tests done on Monday.
Mike Macdonald said of Geno Smith’s knee: “Structurally, it looks like it’s OK.” Said Smith will get tests done tomorrow. Unclear now whether or not he’ll have to miss time. pic.twitter.com/YhGTBpaguV
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 16, 2024
It remains to be seen if Smith will miss further time. With Seattle still in contention to win the NFC West, his health could become a significant storyline ahead of next week’s game vs. Minnesota, as Seattle is now on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture.
