SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks faced significant challenges during their 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on December 17, 2023, primarily due to the exit of quarterback Geno Smith, who suffered a right knee injury midway through the game, raising concerns about the team's playoff ambitions.
Smith's plight began with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. He took a low hit from Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, which caused him to collapse to the ground. While he managed to initially walk off the field, the veteran quarterback displayed visible frustration as he threw his helmet, clearly upset by the circumstances. Subsequently, he was assisted by the Seahawks' training staff to the locker room.
Head Coach Mike Macdonald later updated the media, stating, "Structurally, it looks like it's OK," referring to Smith's knee. The immediate fear was the severity of the injury, especially with the Seahawks positioned precariously within the NFC playoff race at 8-6 as they sought to retake the NFC West lead.
Prior to his exit, Smith had completed 15 out of 19 passes for 149 yards and one interception. He was enjoying an impressive season, ranking second league-wide for passing yards and attempts, but struggled against the Packers—in part, leading to his fourth interception thrown in the end zone this season, tying him for the league lead with Jameis Winston.
With Smith sidelined, backup Sam Howell took over but faced immediate difficulties. Howell was 5 of 14 for just 24 yards and threw another interception—in stark juxtaposition to the performance he was chasing from Smith, who had redefined his career and emerged as a reliable leader for the Seahawks. The young quarterback's struggles underscored the gravity of losing their starter. "It wasn’t good enough to win," Macdonald remarked on Howell's performance, who, albeit having minimal experience with this team, insisted he would be ready for the following match against the Minnesota Vikings.
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV eloquently described the sentiment within the Seattle locker room, saying, "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.” His words encapsulated the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding Smith’s health and the broader stakes for the Seahawks.
The Seahawks entered the weekend as leaders of the NFC West but, with their loss to the Packers, found themselves tied for first place with the Los Angeles Rams, who previously claimed victory over Seattle this season. The team faces formidable upcoming challenges, including their next matchup against the Vikings, where Howell will need to step up if Smith is not able to play.
Smith's injury is still being evaluated; the Seahawks will conduct tests to gauge the full extent of the damage. Fans and teammates alike remain hopeful, eager for their star quarterback to return to fight for their playoff aspirations.
This situation is emblematic of the highs and lows of NFL football, where injuries can shift the destinies of seasons. With Smith leading the charge prior to his injury, the Seahawks were eyeing the postseason. Still, without him, the atmosphere has changed dramatically, heightening the stakes for the rest of their campaign this season.
Smith’s leadership and performance will be sorely missed as the Seahawks venture forward, and though Howell inevitably yields promise as the backup, it remains to be seen if he can replicate Smith’s previous success under center. With delightful anticipation, fans and analysts alike await news from the training room, hoping for the best scenario for Smith and the Seahawks as they look forward to the challenging weeks ahead.
