Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Geno Smith faces an uncertain timeline on his return to the field as he undergoes "imaging" tests following consecutive days of missed training camp practice. Smith sustained a leg injury during an 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday, where a defensive teammate knocked him to the ground, and has been sidelined indefinitely since then.
Head coach Mike Macdonald disclosed the details of Smith's condition, indicating that the quarterback "got banged up a little bit" during the practice session. Smith was visibly struggling for the remainder of the day, favoring his leg, which subsequently led the medical staff to "work on" his hip and knee the following day. Despite their efforts, the veteran quarterback was notably absent from the Seahawks' practice on Wednesday.
"I don't know about tomorrow, but we'll see what comes out of when he goes and sees the doc," Macdonald mentioned, leaving doubts about when Smith might return to the field.
Sam Howell Steps In
With Smith on the sidelines, 23-year-old Sam Howell has stepped in as the fill-in starter for the Seahawks. A former fifth-round draft pick, Howell was acquired through a trade from the Washington Commanders this past March. His tenure with the Commanders saw him starting all 17 games in the 2023 season, leading the NFL in pass attempts with 612. However, Howell's performance was a mixed bag, as he threw 21 touchdowns but balanced them with 21 interceptions.
Now in Seattle, Howell has been presented with a significant opportunity to prove his mettle in the starting quarterback role. His youth and vigor, combined with his high-passing volume experience, might be valuable assets for the Seahawks as they navigate this transitional period.
Geno Smith's Recent Performance
Smith's injury comes at an unfortunate time, given that he is entering the second year of a three-year contract extension signed last offseason. During the previous season, Smith demonstrated a solid performance by going 8-7 as the Seahawks' starter. He threw for 20 touchdowns against nine interceptions, although his campaign was marred by a two-game absence due to a groin injury.
With Smith's current injury, the Seahawks are faced with the task of ensuring their alternate quarterback is prepared and capable of leading the team effectively. Howell's previous experience as a starter, albeit inconsistent, provides a foundation that Seattle can work with in the interim. The organization and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Howell adapts to his new role under the Seahawks' system.
As Seattle's coaching staff and medical team closely monitor Smith's progress, the quarterback’s condition will undoubtedly be a point of focus. The outcome of the "imaging" tests will likely determine the next steps in his recovery process and timeline for return. For now, the Seahawks must focus on making the most of Howell's abilities while maintaining optimism for Smith's swift and complete recovery.
This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where depth and readiness of backup players often play a critical role in a team's overall success. Seattle’s immediate future may hinge on Howell's performance, but the return of a healthy Geno Smith remains a crucial factor for the Seahawks' aspirations in the upcoming season.