Geno Smith exited the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 15 game after taking an awkward hit in the third quarter. Below are the latest updates on the Seahawks’ starting quarterback.
What Happened to Geno Smith?
Smith threw the ball away under duress with 7:12 remaining in the third quarter. However, Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper went low on Smith, leading to an apparent lower-body injury.
Seahawks QB Geno Smith left SNF with a knee injury and was replaced by Sam Howell.
Mike Tirico asked if the hit should be a penalty on the Packers.
Terry McAulay: "It's not, Mike. One or both feet have to be on the ground for it to be a foul for a low hit on the quarterback." pic.twitter.com/JHqowgFIiB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 16, 2024
Smith initially tried to hobble off before remaining down and getting examined on the Seahawks sideline. He did not return for the remainder of the drive and subsequently departed for the locker room. The team declared him questionable to return with a knee injury.
The Seahawks quarterback was replaced by Sam Howell. Smith was 15/19 for 149 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception prior to departing.
Fantasy Impact If Smith Is Out
Courtesy PFN’s Jason Katz
We haven’t seen much of Sam Howell since his failed stint as the Commanders’ starter last season. While Howell is not an NFL-caliber starting quarterback, it wouldn’t be a total disaster for DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Nijgba if he wound up having to make a start.
Howell led the NFL in pass attempts last season and the Commanders had a top offense. The problem with Howell is he has a bit of the Jameis Winston problem — he throws the ball to both teams.
Where Howell might have a greater impact is on the receiving upside of the running backs, as he is more mobile than Smith, and more apt to take off rather than check it down.
Regardless, fantasy managers would very much prefer if Geno Smith were able to return.