The Seattle Seahawks suffered a significant blow during their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers when starting quarterback Geno Smith exited the game with a knee injury. Smith’s injury occurred in the third quarter as he attempted to evade a tackle by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. In an awkward attempt to brace his fall, Smith planted both feet and subsequently fell backward. He immediately grabbed for his right knee, signaling the potential severity of the injury. This marks the second knee injury of Smith’s 11-year NFL career, the previous one being a patella sprain suffered during the 2019 preseason. The Seahawks were trailing the Packers 23-6 at the time of Smith’s departure, placing them in a precarious position for the remainder of the game.
The injury to Smith throws a wrench into what has been a relatively productive season for the veteran quarterback. Prior to the injury, Smith had already surpassed his 2023 completion total in just 13 games, averaging a career-high 267.2 yards per game since taking over as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback in 2022. While his performance has been statistically impressive, Smith has also thrown a career-high number of interceptions this season. One such interception occurred during the Packers game, a poorly-judged throw into double coverage in the end zone while the Seahawks were in scoring territory, further fueling fan criticism regarding his decision-making under pressure.
With Smith sidelined, backup quarterback Sam Howell stepped in to lead the Seahawks offense. Howell, in his first season with Seattle, was acquired in a March trade that cost the Seahawks four draft picks. His previous experience comes from his time with the Washington Commanders, where he started all 17 games in 2023, leading them to a last-place finish in the NFC East. During his tenure with Washington, Howell averaged 232.1 passing yards per game and threw for slightly over one touchdown per game. However, his performance was also marred by a league-leading 21 interceptions, raising concerns about his ball security and decision-making.
Howell’s insertion into the game against the Packers marks his first significant playing time since his days with the Commanders. The Seahawks traded for Howell after Washington opted to move on from the 24-year-old quarterback, having their sights set on drafting Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. Howell’s performance will be closely scrutinized as he attempts to fill the void left by Smith’s injury. The Seahawks will need him to step up and provide stability to the offense if they hope to maintain their position atop the NFC West.
The Seahawks entered the game against the Packers with an 8-5 record, tied with the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West. The Packers, meanwhile, hold a 9-4 record and are competing in the highly competitive NFC North. The outcome of this game holds significant playoff implications for both teams, making Smith’s injury all the more impactful. The Seahawks will need to rely on Howell’s ability to manage the game and minimize turnovers if they hope to secure a victory and maintain their playoff aspirations.
The severity of Smith’s knee injury and the length of his absence remain uncertain. Further evaluation and medical assessments will be necessary to determine the extent of the damage and the timetable for his return. The Seahawks will be hoping for a swift recovery, as Smith’s presence is crucial to their offensive success. In the meantime, the onus falls on Howell to prove his worth and lead the team in Smith’s absence. The remainder of the season will be a crucial test for both Howell and the Seahawks as they navigate the challenges presented by Smith’s injury and strive to secure a playoff berth.
