Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith exited Sunday night’s 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury, leaving the team’s playoff aspirations in jeopardy. Smith went down during the third quarter after a low hit by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, forcing the Seahawks to rely on backup Sam Howell for the remainder of the game.
Head coach Mike Macdonald offered some hope postgame, noting that Smith’s knee appeared structurally intact but that further evaluations, including imaging, would be conducted on Monday.
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“He’s the toughest player I’ve ever been around,” Macdonald said. “He wanted to go back in, but it was clear he just couldn’t.”
Smith had been performing steadily before the injury, completing 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards. However, his absence was felt as the Seahawks‘ offense faltered, leading to their second consecutive loss and a now-precarious hold atop the NFC West standings.
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With a record of 8-6, the Seahawks are now tied for first place in the NFC West with the surging Los Angeles Rams. Their playoff odds dropped to 37%, according to Next Gen Stats, making Smith’s health pivotal for Seattle’s postseason ambitions.
The team faces a challenging schedule ahead, hosting the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 before a potential winner-takes-all showdown against the Rams in Los Angeles during the regular-season finale.
Howell, who struggled in relief on Sunday, would be tasked with leading the offense if Smith is sidelined for an extended period.
Smith’s injury
Smith was seen on the sidelines with a wrap on his right knee after leaving the field for a locker room evaluation. While Macdonald expressed optimism about the injury not being season-ending, the team is awaiting Monday’s tests for clarity.
“We’ve got to get the tests done,” Macdonald said. “I know Geno will do everything humanly possible to get back on the field, but we just don’t know yet.”
As Seattle prepares for two pivotal games, all eyes are on Smith’s recovery. Without their starting quarterback, the Seahawks‘ playoff hopes face a steep uphill battle.
