Geno Smith was on fire to begin Week 4, completing nine of his first 10 attempts on Monday Night Football. But early in the second quarter, Smith suffered an injury that could have short and long-term implications. What happened to the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, and what is Smith’s current injury status?
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Geno Smith Injury Update
Smith had one of his pass attempts batted down at the line, and the ball eventually landed in Smith’s own hands. He took off for the sideline and was dragged out of bounds by New York Giants linebacker Isaiah Simmons on what was arguably a late hit.
Simmons was not flagged, but Smith was not pleased. He was slow to get up and started gingerly walking off the field before turning around.
Was this a late hit, or was it acceptable?pic.twitter.com/0SX8LN20GS
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 3, 2023
Smith was clearly unhappy with what he perceived as a dirty play. He started yelling at Giants safety Xavier McKinney, and the two teams briefly engaged in a minor scuffle before play resumed.
Smith stayed in for the ensuing third-down play, an incomplete pass. He was then jogging on the sideline in an attempt to stay loose and appeared to be uncomfortable.
After that drive, Smith eventually went to the blue medical tent to get examined. At one point, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett entered the tent to check on Smith.
With Smith still being evaluated, Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock entered the game with 3:05 remaining in the second quarter. Seattle doesn’t have a third quarterback on its roster.
After emerging from the medical tent, Smith grabbed his helmet and appeared ready to re-enter the game. However, he soon departed for Seattle’s locker room.
Geno Smith now headed into locker room. So he’s done for the half it appears. pic.twitter.com/e0ksL1gqAn
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) October 3, 2023
The Seahawks announced Smith is questionable to return with a knee injury. ESPN’s broadcast reported Smith will undergo an X-ray.
Fortunately, Smith was able to return to Monday night’s game for the start of the third quarter. Lock ended up playing two series in relief.
Fantasy Fallout From Smith’s Injury
If Smith is forced to miss extended time with this knee injury, the Seahawks will turn to Lock to captain the ship. We’ve seen high highs and low lows from Lock throughout his NFL career, but there’s no denying he has a cupboard full of capable weapons in the Seahawks’ offense.
If Lock is Seattle’s starting QB in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he will become a decent streaming option for a matchup that isn’t as terrifying as it was in years past.
As for receiving weapons like Metcalf and Lockett, they’ll take a bit of a tumble down the rankings. But Lock is a capable backup that can get the ball into their hands and let them create.
— PFN Fantasy Director Kyle Yates