Geno Smith injury update: Seahawks QB's status in question after SNF exit with knee issue

Daniel Mader

•
Geno Smith injury update: Seahawks QB's status in question after SNF exit with knee issue image

The Seahawks' success in recent seasons has revolved around Geno Smith, but as the team took on the Packers in Week 15, its starting quarterback went down with an injury.

Smith left the Seahawks' Sunday night contest against Green Bay in the third quarter following a hit to his lower legs. 

As Sam Howell stepped in under center for Seattle, Smith was ruled "questionable" to return by Seattle with a knee injury, but after going to the locker room, he came out and remained on the bench, grimacing and shaking his head in discomfort. Smith didn't return to the game, watching as Green Bay pulled away for a 30-13 victory.

Here are the latest updates on Smith after he left Sunday's matchup against the Packers. 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Geno Smith injury update vs. Packers

On Monday, head coach Mike Macdonald said tests came good for Smith, and he is optimistic Smith can practice this week and play on Sunday.

"We're fortunate, a lot of positive, optimistic signs," Macdonald said.

Around the midway point of the third quarter, Seattle trailed Green Bay 20-3, looking to get back in the game. Smith dropped back to make a pass, but he quickly faced pressure on a first down. 

As two Packers defenders converged on him, LB Edgerrin Cooper got to Smith first, reaching his legs on a diving tackle attempt and appearing to grab at Smith's right ankle.

Smith left for the sidelines after the play, with Howell subbing in. 

MORE: Will Seahawks re-sign Geno Smith?

Soon after, Smith went back to Seattle's locker room. The team ruled him "questionable" to return with a knee injury, but that marked the end of his night.

NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark reported that after Smith returned to the sideline, he tried to jog in place, but he quickly found a spot on the bench, where he grimaced in pain. At one point, he could be seen shaking his head in discomfort. 

After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Smith's injury "looks like it's OK" structurally, but the quarterback will get tests done on Monday. 

It remains to be seen if Smith will miss further time. With Seattle still in contention to win the NFC West, his health could become a significant storyline ahead of next week's game vs. Minnesota, as Seattle is now on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture.

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader Photo

Daniel Mader joined Sporting News as an editorial intern in 2024 following his graduation from Penn State University. Previously, he covered Penn State, high school and local sports beats for NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. He grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.