Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts on the field after sustaining an injury during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
The Seattle Seahawks‘ playoff hopes took a major hit Sunday night with a 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers—and potentially a bigger blow depending on the severity of Geno Smith‘s knee injury.
Smith’s Injury
The veteran quarterback went down in the third quarter after a low hit from Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Smith did not return to the game. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald provided an update postgame, stating that while initial tests indicate Smith’s knee is structurally intact, further imaging will determine his status for next week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I’ll tell you this, this guy is probably the toughest player I’ve ever been around,” Macdonald said. “It was severe enough for him not to come back in the game. We’ll do all the tests tomorrow and kind of figure it out as we go. But right now, structurally it looks like it’s OK, but we’ve got to get it imaged and all that stuff.”
The injury occurred as Smith threw an incomplete pass on first down. Cooper, diving to make a tackle, hit the back of Smith’s right leg, causing his knee to hyperextend. Smith limped off the field but later lay down in pain before heading to the medical tent. The hit did not draw a penalty, and Cooper defended his play, calling it “100% clean.”
Smith returned to the sideline in the fourth quarter, visibly limping, and briefly considered re-entering the game. “He wanted to, but he just couldn’t go,” Macdonald said.
Howell Struggles in Relief
Backup quarterback Sam Howell took over for Smith but struggled throughout the game. Howell completed only 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked four times. Seattle’s offense sputtered, with Howell leading just one touchdown drive and another field goal drive.
“It wasn’t good enough to win,” Macdonald admitted. “I know he’s disappointed. It just didn’t feel like we were getting the ball out on time and then it wasn’t complemented with our pass protection. I know we gave up a bunch of sacks, and they did a good job, too. They covered the routes and rushed the passer, and it was a complementary game on their end on defense.”
Howell, acquired in an offseason trade with Washington, had played only one snap this season before Sunday. After the game, he took responsibility for the poor performance. “I think at the end of the day, I’ve got to be better,” Howell said. “My job is to be ready to go in there and play well and help this team win and I didn’t do that today. So I’ve just got to be better, watch the film, learn from it.”
Other Seahawks Injuries
Seattle also lost rookie center Olu Oluwatimi in the first half to a knee and quad injury. Macdonald didn’t provide specific details but confirmed the injury was severe enough to keep Oluwatimi out for the rest of the game.
The Seahawks’ offensive line, which had allowed no sacks in their previous game, gave up seven sacks and 12 quarterback hits against Green Bay. Howell acknowledged his role in the breakdowns, saying, “At the end of the day, sacks are a quarterback stat,” he said. “Got to hit the check-downs a little faster and just get the ball out of my hand before they get to me.”
Smith’s Red Zone Struggles
Before his injury, Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards but threw a costly interception in the end zone, his 13th of the season. According to ESPN, it was Smith’s fourth red zone interception this year (most in the NFL) and tied him for the league lead in end-zone interceptions with four.
Playoff Picture
The Seahawks (8-6) entered the game atop the NFC West after a four-game win streak. However, Sunday’s loss, coupled with the Rams’ Thursday night win, dropped them into a tie with Los Angeles for first place in the division. The Rams currently hold the tiebreaker due to their head-to-head victory earlier this season.
The loss also pushed Seattle out of the NFC playoff picture, with the Washington Commanders now occupying the final wild-card spot. Seattle’s playoff chances, per ESPN Analytics, dropped to 45% following the defeat.
Moving Forward
If Smith is unable to play next week, Howell will likely start against the Vikings. Macdonald expressed confidence in the backup quarterback despite his struggles. “That’s why we have Sam, to come in and help us win games if he needs to,” he said. “Yeah, it’s a tough situation. He hasn’t played yet this year. We’ve got faith in Sam. Guy’s a great player. If he gets another opportunity, he’ll do a great job.”
Seattle’s path to the playoffs now appears much tougher, with questions surrounding Smith’s health and the team’s overall performance looming large as they head into the final stretch of the season.
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This report used information from ESPN.
