Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Geno Smith faces an uncertain timeline for his return to the field. Smith has been sidelined indefinitely after sustaining a leg injury during an 11-on-11 drill, when a defensive teammate knocked him to the ground on Tuesday. Following consecutive days of missed training camp practices, Smith has to undergo "imaging" tests to determine the extent of the injury.
Head coach Mike Macdonald shared insights into Smith's condition, revealing that the quarterback struggled for the remainder of the day after the injury, heavily favoring his leg. The medical staff subsequently focused on Smith’s hip and knee, leading to his noticeable absence from Wednesday’s practice session.
"I don't know about tomorrow, but we'll see what comes out of when he goes and sees the doc," Macdonald said, encapsulating the air of uncertainty surrounding Smith's return.
New Opportunities for Howell
With Smith’s availability up in the air, the Seahawks have turned to their alternate quarterback, 23-year-old Sam Howell. Howell, who joined the Seahawks via a trade with the Washington Commanders this past March, has stepped in as the fill-in starter. Despite being a newcomer to Seattle, Howell is no stranger to the spotlight. He started all 17 games for the Commanders in the 2023 season, demonstrating both his potential and areas for improvement.
In 2023, Howell led the NFL in pass attempts with 612, throwing 21 touchdowns against 21 interceptions. While his performance included noteworthy highs, the equal number of touchdowns and interceptions highlights a need for more consistent decision-making on the field.
Smith’s Track Record and Current Contract
Geno Smith, who is entering the second year of a three-year contract extension signed last offseason, had an impressive showing last season as the Seahawks' starter. He recorded an 8-7 record, throwing 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while missing two games due to a groin injury. Smith's resilience and reliability on the field were significant factors in securing his extension, making his current absence even more pressing for the team's future games.
Seahawks’ Focus Moving Forward
As the Seahawks navigate this challenging period, the coaching staff must make the most of Howell's abilities. Macdonald and his team will need to tailor their strategies to Howell’s strengths while maintaining an optimistic outlook for Smith's swift and complete recovery. Howell's baptism by fire could provide him with invaluable experience moving forward.
Ultimately, the Seahawks’ immediate future hinges on a delicate balance of managing Howell's integration into the team’s dynamics and closely monitoring Smith’s recovery process. With the clock ticking towards the start of the season, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on how Seattle adjusts to these sudden shifts in their quarterback lineup.