Report: Russell Wilson's Doctors Think Seahawks QB Can Return from Injury in 4 Weeks
Oct 10, 2021
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has his throwing hand examined on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks fans may have just gotten some good news, as Russell Wilson may only miss four games after undergoing surgery on an injured finger on his throwing hand, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Wilson had been one of the most durable players in football before his injury, starting 149 consecutive games, the longest streak among active quarterbacks.
"Nobody should question his toughness," head coach Pete Carroll told reporters after Wilson had to exit a Week 5 loss against the Los Angeles Rams with his finger injury. "Nobody should question his resolve. If he could have thrown a football and held on to it, he would have done it. Anybody that says otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about. So you can deal with all kinds of stuff with your hands and you can still throw the football, and he tried last night and did not have...the control of the ball. So if he could have, he would have."
Losing Wilson for any amount of time is an enormous blow for a Seahawks team facing the prospect of missing the postseason for just the third time since 2010. Wilson is a seven-time Pro Bowler and won a title with the Seahawks. He isn't replaceable.
But Geno Smith will try. How he plays will determine whether the 2-3 Seahawks have any chance of salvaging their title hopes.
The next four games for Seattle will be at the Pittsburgh Steelers, vs. the New Orleans Saints, vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars and at the Green Bay Packers before a Week 11 game versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals.
Rams' Matthew Stafford Says He Popped Finger into Place After Injury vs. Seahawks
Oct 8, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford played through a finger injury in his team's 26-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.
Stafford told Fox Sports' Erin Andrews his right index finger "popped out" and that he reset it mid-game:
“Yeah I just looked down at it and it was on the left a little bit. Threw it back in.”
Head coach Sean McVay told reporters he wasn't sure about the severity of the injury because his quarterback was evasive and said the finger was "fine."
The 2014 Pro Bowler finished 25-of-37 for 365 yards and one touchdown with one interception, continuing his excellent start with Los Angeles:
After throwing for a season-high 365 yards tonight, Matthew Stafford now has 1,587 passing yards this season.
That's the 4th-most passing yards by any player in his first 5 games with a team in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/7feqjdW2Fk
The Rams were fortunate that Stafford carried on considering Russell Wilson also suffered a finger injury but did not continue. Geno Smith finished the contest for Seattle.
The Rams will have a few extra days to recuperate before they're back on the field Oct. 17 against the New York Giants. That will be beneficial for Stafford since his finger probably won't feel better when he wakes up Friday.
For now, it doesn't look like McVay will have to turn to John Wolford.
Matthew Stafford Guides Rams Past Seahawks After Russell Wilson's Finger Injury
Oct 8, 2021
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes under pressure from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Al Woods (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Head-to-head results are critical in a loaded NFC West that may feature four playoff contenders, and the Los Angeles Rams picked up a key win Thursday.
Los Angeles defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-17 in the divisional showdown at Lumen Field. Matthew Stafford, Robert Woods and Darrell Henderson Jr. led the way for the victors, who improved to 4-1 and moved closer to the 4-0 Arizona Cardinals in the early race.
The Seahawks dropped to 2-3 and into last place, but that wasn't their only concern. Russell Wilson left with a finger injury, although Geno Smith played admirably in his place while attempting to lead a late comeback before Nick Scott intercepted him to clinch the win.
Whether the Rams would bounce back against the Seahawks was one of the biggest storylines of the entire week. After all, they looked like arguably the best team in the league through the first three games, which included a double-digit victory over the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And then they were steamrolled by the Cardinals.
That was the backdrop as the offense struggled throughout the first half on the way to three points. There was a delay of game amid confusion, a 3rd-and-10 draw near midfield and a terrible interception from Stafford when Quandre Diggs picked off an attempted throw-away in the end zone.
Woods was a bright spot, but the offense offered few early signs of encouragement coming off the blowout loss, and Stafford was wearing a wrap on his finger.
All it took was an underthrown deep ball to DeSean Jackson to turn things around. The wide receiver adjusted for a big play to set up a go-ahead Henderson touchdown on Los Angeles' first drive of the second half before Stafford threw two strikes to Woods to set up another to Tyler Higbee for another touchdown on the next possession.
Woods was at his best tonight when targeted on in-breaking routes, finishing with 6 receptions on 7 targets for 117 yards (out of his 150 total receiving yards).
Just when things looked to be slipping away as the crowd responded to Smith's dramatic touchdown drive to bring the Seahawks back into the game, Stafford responded with clutch throws to Woods and Cooper Kupp before Sony Michel created some breathing room again with a touchdown run.
That, along with the well-timed interception for Scott, was enough to earn the road win.
Geno Smith's Comeback Magic Falls Short
Thursday's matchup was quite the daunting task for the Seahawks even before Wilson suffered the injury.
After all, they didn't have starting running back Chris Carson and had to face a Rams defense featuring Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The duo made their presence felt right away. Donald stuffed a 4th-and-2 attempt, and Ramsey deflected a Wilson pass into the air for a Troy Reeder interception.
To Seattle's credit, it took a 7-3 lead into intermission thanks to DK Metcalf's touchdown catch after he beat Ramsey on a slant. Still, the missed opportunities lingered considering Wilson's touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett was nullified for holding and Jason Myers missed a field goal to end the half.
That's when things went off script in the second half.
Not only did Smith have to come in for Wilson, but punter Michael Dickson had one of the most memorable special teams plays of the year when he scooped up a blocked punt and somehow kicked it again to pin the Rams inside the 20-yard line.
It seemed to be a highlight in a game that was already lost, but Smith tried to play hero by directing a stunning 98-yard touchdown drive that included a deep ball to Metcalf for the score. He also led a field-goal drive in response to the Rams' next touchdown to stay within a single score and set up one final chance.
Unfortunately for the home team, that chance ended with an interception.
What's Next?
Both teams are on the road in Week 6 when the Rams face the New York Giants and the Seahawks play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seahawks' Russell Wilson Exits vs. Rams with Sprained Finger Injury
Oct 8, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at Lumen Field on October 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Wilson was 11-of-16 for 152 yards and one touchdown with one interception and was replaced by Geno Smith.
In his 10th NFL season, Wilson has never missed a game. He was, however, hampered by injuries throughout 2016, suffering a sprained ankle in Week 1 and a sprained MCL in Week 3, and spent most of the year at less than 100 percent.
The Wisconsin product had thrown for 1,044 yards and nine touchdowns against zero interceptions through his first four games.
Smith won the backup job in training camp.
Report: Geno Smith Agrees to 1-Year Seahawks Contract as Russell Wilson's Backup
May 14, 2020
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws the ball around prior to an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Seattle won 17-9. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly re-signed Geno Smith to a one-year deal, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, providing some needed depth in the quarterback room.
"Has been expected all along he would likely return and a source says it could happen soon," Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reported Thursday.
Aside from starter Russell Wilson, the only other quarterback on the Seahawks current roster was undrafted free agent Anthony Gordon. Smith spent 2019 with Seattle but didn't see a snap during the regular season.
Smith appeared in five games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018, although finished just 1-of-4 passing on the year. He last made a start in 2017 with the New York Giants and has only made two starts since the start of 2015.
Despite the limited action, the 29-year-old has been reliable enough to earn roster spots for four different organizations.
The backup role for Seattle is usually an easy one with Wilson starting 128 straight regular-season games since being drafted in 2012. He has played 100 percent of offensive snaps in each of the last three years, perPro Football Reference.
The 31-year-old still led the NFL in times sacked last season and there is always a risk of injuries.
Gordon could be a promising prospect after throwing 48 touchdown passes last year with Washington State. He received the highest bonus of all the team's undrafted free agents, perBrady Hendersonof ESPN.
However, Smith provides the team with a quarterback who has more experience in the NFL.
Look: Geno Smith Rips Rex Ryan in Twitter Rant After Ex-Jets HC's Criticism
Apr 8, 2020
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Rex Ryan and Geno Smith #7 of the New York Jets look on before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 16, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Rex Ryan and Geno Smith do not appear to like one other.
The former New York Jets head coach and quarterback, respectively, took shots at each other on Wednesday. Ryan started by saying on First Take that he would have won multiple Super Bowls with Tom Brady as his quarterback while questioning what Bill Belichick's resume would have looked like if he had Smith as his QB:
"Give him Geno Smith ... and let's see how many Super Bowls he would have won."
Rex Ryan to people who say Belichick would have been just as successful without Tom Brady. pic.twitter.com/3LsYOQblIj
My momma never liked dude he been a snake.. and y’all glorify it.. should’ve got fired after yr1.. truth is we won 8 games after ESPN had us winning two and he got his job back.. somehow I’m caught up in a feud and I’m the scapegoat.. Same guy that drafted me#TheBusiness
I could easily go on and on about the bs I see but truthfully I’m so happy I don’t even bother.. God put me in this position where even my enemies gotta mention my name.. so I just sit back and watch the show!
The marriage between Ryan and Smith was not fruitful.
The pair spent two seasons together (2013-14), with Smith going 11-18 as the starter, throwing for 5,571 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions during that stretch. The Jets went 8-8 in 2013 before going 4-12 the next season, leading to Ryan being fired and Smith being replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback in 2015.
Ryan last coached in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills (2015-16), while Smith has started just two games since 2014, serving as a backup for the Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
Giants' Eli Manning Says He Has to Accept New Role as Backup QB to Daniel Jones
Sep 18, 2019
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass while under pressure during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since being benched in favor of rookie Daniel Jones, saying he's planning to "make the best" of being a backup.
"I'm not dying, and the season's not over. There's a lot to be positive about, a lot to be grateful for. I just have to accept my new role and make the best of it," Manning told reporters.
Manning, 38, has started 232 of the Giants' last 233 games. The lone exception was a one-week benching in favor of Geno Smith in 2017.
While that benching was temporary, this one appears to be permanent. The Giants selected the former Duke quarterback with the sixth overall pick in April's draft, a move many viewed as a reach. Jones impressed in the preseason to the point some wondered whether he should be the Giants' Week 1 starter.
The coaching staff and front office demurred on that point, but it didn't take long for them to make a change. Manning threw for 556 yards and two touchdowns against as many interceptions in the Giants' pair of season-opening losses, and he ranks near the bottom of nearly every statistical category among quarterbacks.
"Ultimately, this is a move that I felt was best for this team at this time," Giants coach Pat Shurmur said. "I have said it since I got here, I am very fond of Eli. His work ethic, his preparation, his football intelligence. All those attributes are as good as I have ever seen in a player. And Eli worked as hard as you could ask of anybody to get ready for this season. This move is more about Daniel moving forward than about Eli."
Jones had limited success at Duke. He never topped 3,000 passing yards or 22 touchdowns during his three years as a starter and tossed 52 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. By contrast, Kyler Murray threw 42 touchdowns and seven picks in his one season as Oklahoma's starting quarterback.
Jones will take over an offense with limited talent aside from Saquon Barkley. Evan Engram has flashed some pass-catching skills at tight end, but the team has one of the worst receiving corps in football and a shaky offensive line. To say Jones will be fighting an uphill battle is an understatement.
On the latest episode of The Lefkoe Show, Adam Lefkoe and Brian Westbrook are getting into the biggest story of the day: is Eli Manning (2x Super Bowl champ, in case you hadn't heard) a Hall of Famer? The debate goes in a variety of interesting directions, culminating in Westbrook's epic defense of how Donovan McNabb was unfairly treated throughout his NFL career. Which leads to the ultimate debate: Who is the greatest black quarterback of all-time? The answer may surprise you, but the data does not lie! Check back throughout the NFL season for more in-depth football analysis from Lefkoe and Eagles legend Brian Flippin' Westbrook!
Russell Wilson Only QB on Seahawks Roster After Geno Smith, Other Backups Cut
Aug 31, 2019
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
According to Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle, backup signal-callers Geno Smith, Paxton Lynch and J.T. Barrett were let go, leaving the seven-year starter as the lone quarterback left.
However, Boyle noted that the Hawks "can and likely will make more moves between now and next weekend."
One of those moves may be bringing Smith back into the mix, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times explained.
Seahawks roster is officially at 53 because Clowney trade hasn't gone through yet. If you add up their cuts with who remains after that trade goes through, you get 52. So, some roster finagling still going on here. They'll need to add a QB.
A reminder that Geno Smith does not go through waivers. So, Seattle may just have an agreement with him that he stays put for a day while the trade works itself out and then he re-signs. Like they meant to do with Tom Johnson last year.
Smith, 28, played for three NFL teams in six seasons before signing with the Seahawks in May. He completed 18 of 34 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns this preseason.
His isn't the only team to go with one active quarterback on the 53-man roster after Saturday cuts, with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts doing the same. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted that more action should be taking place shortly, though:
The #Seahawks cut Geno Smith, meaning there are now three teams -- along with the #Broncos and #Colts -- with only one healthy QB on the active roster. A lot more action to come in the next 48-72 hours.
Seattle figures to stay active even if Wilson has never missed an in-season practice or game in seven years, per Gregg Bell of the News Tribune.
The Hawks will have to act quickly, however, with their season beginning on Sunday, Sept. 8, against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Seahawks Rumors: QB Paxton Lynch Waived; Geno Smith to Back Up Russell Wilson
Aug 30, 2019
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 24: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during a preseason football game at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 24, 2019 in Carson, California. The Seattle Seahawks won 23-15. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
Per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the Seahawks waived Paxton Lynch and will keep Smith as their No. 2 quarterback.
Condotta noted the Seahawks could attempt to keep Lynch on their practice squad.
Smith and Lynch were signed by the Seahawks during the offseason. Both players missed one preseason game due to injuries. Smithunderwent surgeryon Aug. 9 to remove a cyst from his knee. Lynch was in theconcussion protocol due to a helmet-to-helmet hit from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Holton Hill on Aug. 18.
The Seahawks haven't had to rely on their backup quarterbacks much during Wilson's first seven seasons. He took every snap for the team in 2018 and has never missed a start in his career.
Lynch spent last season as a free agent when he was released by the Denver Broncos in September. The 2016 first-round pick appeared in five games over his first two seasons. He threw for 792 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Smith will be playing for his fourth team in four years when he suits up for Seattle in the regular season. The 28-year-old appeared in five games with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, completing one of his four pass attempts.
Seahawks Rumors: Geno Smith to Sign Contract, Compete for Backup QB Role
May 13, 2019
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 16: Geno Smith #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up before the start of NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Smith will compete for the No. 2 job with Paxton Lynch, who signed with the Seahawks in January.
Ian Rapoportof NFL.com reported that Smith will visit the Seahawks on Wednesday, adding: "No contract talks yet, but a visit shows clear interest if everything checks out."
Smith, 28, was a second-round pick by the New York Jets in 2013 and expected to become the team's franchise quarterback, though that never materialized. He threw for 5,571 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 touchdowns in 30 games (29 starts) in 2013 and 2014 before losing his starting gig, riding the bench for the Jets the next two seasons.
Smith's competition for Seattle's backup spot has far less experience. Lynch has appeared in just five NFL games, throwing for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 61.7 percent of his passes.
Smith should be the favorite to win the backup role, solidifying a spot that has seen a rotating cast of characters behind Wilson, includingTrevone Boykin, Austin Davis and Brett Hundley in 2018.
