Geno Smith went down hard in the third quarter of the Seattle Seahawks‘ Week 11 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Clearly, the Seahawks can’t afford to lose their starting quarterback in the middle of a potential playoff season. Here’s the latest on Smith.
Geno Smith Injury Update
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald slammed Smith to the ground with 256 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Smith was slow to get up but eventually made his way to Seattle’s sideline, where he entered the blue medical tent.
MORE: Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart
An independent NFL concussion advisor went into the tent with Smith and the Seahawks’ team doctor. However, Smith doesn’t appear to have a head injury.
Instead, Seattle listed Smith as questionable to return with a right elbow injury.
#Seahawks QB Geno Smith exits the game after taking a massive hit by #Rams DT Aaron Donald.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 19, 2023
Trainers initially wrapped Smith’s elbow in ice, but they subsequently removed the ice in favor of a protective sleeve. Smith was still throwing on the sideline and appeared to be testing his elbow.
Thankfully, Smith was able to return for the Seahawks’ final drive. With Seattle down by one point, Smith led a seven-play, 38-yard drive in one minute and 28 seconds to give kicker Jason Myers a chance at a game-winning field goal. But Myers couldn’t hit a 55-yard attempt.
After the game, Smith said he took a helmet to his elbow, which was still hurting. While he indicated he’ll “keep pushing,” he didn’t sound confident about playing against the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Day.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Smith said when asked if he’ll be ready for Thursday night.
But head coach Pete Carroll has better news on Monday. Smith has a contusion on the bottom of his triceps but didn’t suffer any other damage, per Carroll, who said Geno should be able to play on Thursday.
Drew Lock relieved Smith under center. Lock, who re-signed with Seattle on a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason, has only attempted six passes this year. All six attempts came in Week 4 when Smith briefly departed with a knee issue.
Lock led two full drives on Sunday — one was a three-and-out, while the other ended with a Lock interception.
Fantasy Fallout From Smith’s Injury
Smith entered today’s contest fresh off his best fantasy performance of the season, a 369-yard, two-touchdown day against the Washington Commanders in Week 10.
With Lock under center for the Seahawks, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should all move slightly down the weekly fantasy rankings at the WR position.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
