The Seattle Seahawks could head into tonight’s crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers without starting quarterback Geno Smith, whose status has been up in the air this week.
What’s the latest on the veteran quarterback?
Is Geno Smith Playing Today?
Update 11/23/2023: Geno Smith is officially active and will play against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.
Smith’s status for Thursday night’s game has been in doubt ever since he suffered an injury in the third quarter of Seattle’s 17-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
He was tackled by defensive lineman Aaron Donald and walked to the sideline after sluggishly getting to his feet. Smith then went to the medical tent to be evaluated, but he ultimately returned to finish the game and set Seattle up for a late go-ahead field goal try that missed from 55 yards out.
MORE: 49ers vs. Seahawks Injury Report and Starting Lineups
Smith told reporters after the game that pain tolerance was the main issue for him, while Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll elaborated that Smith suffered a contusion to his triceps tendon but did not think there was any damage beyond that.
Carroll was optimistic on Monday about Smith’s potential to play Thursday when asked about it on “The Pete Carroll Show” on Seattle Sports.
“We don’t know much today yet, but it was a good sign that he could get back in and throw,” Carroll said. “He’s going to be more sore today. We’ll see how he responds the next couple days. But, it was a good sign that he was functional and could throw the football alright, so it was a good job in getting back out there.
“It’s a good sign that he’s functional, so that’s not the issue, so it’s just how sore he is. He’ll make it back.”
When pressed by the host, who asked, “By Thursday?” Carroll replied, “I would think so. The challenge couldn’t be any harder. He’s gonna play.”
Smith did not practice on Monday, then was a limited participant on Tuesday, and fully participated on Wednesday before being designated questionable for Thursday’s game.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday morning that the Seahawks “expect him to start,” another positive sign of Smith’s availability.
MORE: Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart
Having Smith on the field would certainly be a significant boost for Seattle.
He has again been effective this fall after a breakout year with the Seahawks in 2022. Smith is completing 65.3% of his pass attempts for 2,404 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions thus far.
If Smith is unable to go or has to leave Thursday’s contest at any point, Seattle would likely turn to backup quarterback Drew Lock. He went 2-of-6 for three yards during a brief stint relieving Smith on Sunday and has gone 4-of-12 for 66 yards and one interception across his two appearances this season.
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