The Seattle Seahawks have had a few extra days to digest a tough Week 13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. While the extra rest is much-needed for the team as they head into a crucial Week 14 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, there are still some question marks around quarterback Geno Smith and his availability.
If the Seahawks are going to be able to beat the 49ers — a team that looks to be the best in football right now — they’re going to need all hands on deck to do so. But will they actually have all hands on deck heading into the matchup? Let’s take a closer look at Smith and his current injury situation.
Is Geno Smith Going To Play in Week 14?
While Smith’s tricep injury is well-documented and has been a problem he has had to manage over the last few weeks, it’s actually a newly popped-up groin injury that is the cause of most of the doubt heading into Week 14.
On Thursday, Smith showed up on the injury report with the groin issue for the first time, where he was listed officially as a limited participant in the practice. While any time a player is added to the list later in the week is not a great sign, those around the team are stating that Smith will be ready to go for Sunday’s big NFC West matchup.
That is great news for the Seahawks as they will travel to San Francisco with their season on the line and seemingly slipping through their fingers. Facing those circumstances with a backup QB at the helm is far less ideal for the team.
Who Would Step in if Smith Can’t Go?
If something were to change and Smith was forced to miss the matchup or is knocked out of the game for any reason, the next man up to try and keep the season alive is Drew Lock.
Lock, at one point in time, was squaring off with Smith for the starting job just two seasons ago. But fast forward to the current day, and he’s the backup in Seattle who will need to be ready for whatever reason.
MORE: Seahawks vs. 49ers Prediction, Picks, Odds Today
Lock has appeared sparingly this season with only two total appearances. The latest coming against the Rams last month where he threw an interception. However, despite the lack of results or game action this season, Lock has shown talent throughout his career but hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
The Seahawks will certainly need him to do so quickly if he is called upon on Sunday.
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!