SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks face uncertainty at quarterback after Geno Smith suffered a knee injury during their disappointing 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, raising serious questions about their playoff hopes. Smith was injured midway through the third quarter after being tackled low by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, which may have significant repercussions for Seattle's push for the NFC West title.
Entering the game, Smith was statistically performing exceptionally, ranking second in the league for attempts, completions, and yards. He completed 15 of his 19 passes for 149 yards but struggled prior to his injury, throwing his fourth interception of the season when he was picked off by Carrington Valentine late in the first quarter. This interception contributed to the Seahawks trailing 20-6 when he left the field.
The Seahawks were already facing challenges against the Packers, who controlled the game from the outset. Green Bay capitalized early with two touchdowns and two field goals, dominating the first half. The first touchdown was initiated by running back Josh Jacobs’ impressive opening drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run. Jacobs later concluded the game with 136 total yards, securing his contribution to the victory.
With Smith out, backup quarterback Sam Howell took the reins for Seattle, completing only 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and one interception. Howell had seen minimal playing time prior to this match, and the transition proved difficult for the offense. Despite Howell leading one touchdown drive, the Packers' relentless defense proved too much, as they managed seven sacks throughout the game.
“It’s tough,” linebacker Ernest Jones IV commented on Smith’s injury. “Geno’s the heartbeat of this offense, the heartbeat of this team and one of our leaders. So obviously, you don’t want to see him get hurt. But we’ve got confidence in Sam, confidence in the guys behind him.” Jones expressed hope for Smith’s speedy recovery after the team confirmed the injury will be evaluated on Monday.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who threw two touchdown passes, emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “I like where we’re at. We’ve just got to keep figuring out ways to get these wins to end the season off.” His two touchdown throws included a stunning second touchdown to Romeo Doubs, who made an impressive catch as he fell to the ground, underscoring the Packers' momentum.
The loss by the Seahawks dropped them to 8-6, tying them with the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the division. With the Rams winning earlier, the Seahawks face increasing pressure to secure wins to maintain their playoff position. The Seahawks will have to prepare for their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings without the certainty of Smith’s status, as he walked to the locker room after the injury with trainers.
“I pray everything is OK with Geno. But we’ve got to be ready to go,” said Jones IV, reflecting the general sentiment of the team as they brace for potential changes at quarterback. Howell reassured fans about his preparedness: “I prepare every week like I’m going to start,” he noted but acknowledged the importance of getting sufficient practice reps if called upon.
Despite Seattle’s early struggles, they managed to rally for some offensive production, including Zach Charbonnet's 24-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, closing the score to 23-13. Yet, Doubs' subsequent touchdown catch proved too much for the struggling Seahawks to overcome.
Green Bay's victory not only propelled them closer to clinching their playoff spot but also was significant as it marked their first win at Lumen Field since 2008. Coach Matt LaFleur admitted surprise at the number of Packers fans present at the game, which created an unexpected, but welcomed atmosphere for the visiting team.
Looking forward, Smith's injury adds uncertainty to the Seahawks’ strategy for the remainder of the season, with Howell now thrust under the spotlight. The team hopes for the best as they head toward the playoffs, and all eyes will be on the results of Smith’s scans. Will they get their starting quarterback back, or should they prepare for life without him?
