Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith left Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Green Bay held a 20-3 lead at Lumen Field. Smith jumped up and threw the ball under pressure. Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper hit Smith in the lower leg while Smith was still in the air. Smith landed awkwardly and was in pain on the ground after the hit.
Geno Smith suffered what appears to be a lower leg injury after this play. He was able to leave the field with the help of trainers. pic.twitter.com/0Hgv7YK4WK
-Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 16, 2024
He limped to the sideline and slammed his helmet in frustration when he arrived.
Backup quarterback Sam Howell replaced Smith on the Seahawks’ next play.
Smith limped to the tunnel and was listed as doubtful to return with a knee injury. The nature of his injury was initially unclear.
Howell struggled until the end in Smith’s place. He went just 5 of 14 for 24 yards and threw an interception in the 17-point loss. That dropped the Seahawks to 8-6 on the season, which puts them tied with the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West. The Rams won their first head-to-head against the Seahawks and will face them again on January 5 in the regular season finale.
Further details about Smith’s injury are not yet known. If the Seahawks lose the lead in the NFC West without him, they could end up missing the playoffs entirely. The 9-5 Washington Commanders were in position for seventh place and the final wild card spot in the NFC after their victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
