Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks' quarterback, finds himself facing an uncertain timeline for his return as he undergoes crucial imaging tests following a leg injury that has already led to consecutive days of missed training camp practice. The injury occurred during an 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday, when Smith was knocked to the ground by a defensive teammate. Since then, he has been sidelined indefinitely.
Head coach Mike Macdonald shared insights into Smith's condition, noting that the quarterback had difficulty for the remainder of the day, favoring his leg. This led the medical team to address issues in both his hip and knee the following day. Speaking about the uncertainty surrounding Smith's return, Macdonald stated, "I don't know about tomorrow, but we'll see what comes out of when he goes and sees the doc."
Smith's Absence and Howell's Role
Smith's absence from Wednesday's practice has shifted the spotlight onto the Seahawks' alternate quarterback, 23-year-old Sam Howell. Acquired through a trade from the Washington Commanders last March, Howell is now positioned as the fill-in starter for the Seahawks during this crucial period.
In the 2023 season, Howell demonstrated his capabilities with the Commanders, starting all 17 games and leading the NFL in pass attempts with an impressive 612 throws. Despite this high volume, Howell's performance was a mixed bag, tallying 21 touchdowns against 21 interceptions. This puts Howell in a position where he has the experience but also areas needing improvement, as he steps into the starting role for Seattle.
Smith's Contract and Previous Performance
Smith is currently entering the second year of a three-year contract extension signed last offseason. His previous season with the Seahawks saw him achieve an 8-7 record as the starter, alongside 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Unfortunately, his season was also marred by injuries, including a groin injury that caused him to miss two games. The current situation marks another injury-related hurdle in Smith's career.
The Road Ahead for Seattle
As the Seahawks adapt to Howell leading the team on the field, the focus must remain on optimizing his strengths while keeping a hopeful outlook on Smith's recovery. Howell's experience with the Commanders, particularly his ability to handle a high volume of pass attempts, will be crucial for the Seahawks moving forward. The coaching staff and players alike will need to rally around Howell, ensuring he has all the support he needs to succeed in his new role.
Smith's swift and complete recovery remains a priority, and the team will be eagerly awaiting further updates from his medical evaluations. The hope is that the imaging tests will offer clarity and pave the way for his return. Until then, the Seahawks must navigate the challenges that come with losing a seasoned quarterback and make the most of Howell's potential to keep the team's aspirations alive.