sea hawks strategist Geno Smith left Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury, but Seattle received encouraging news the next day.
Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that tests on Smith’s right knee revealed no major injuries, adding that he was hopeful about the veteran quarterback’s availability for next weekend’s game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.4:05 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
“We’re lucky,” Macdonald said. “A lot of positive, optimistic signs are coming out of the testing. Geno is a beast, man. He’s out here training in the morning, working on it. I know he still feels it, but this guy is tough as nails nail and hopefully we’ll see him practice throughout the week and I’m hopeful he’ll be ready for the game.”
Smith was hit by the Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooperwhich rolled onto Smith’s ankle. Smith limped off the field, discarding his helmet as he reached the sideline. He left the field shortly after, accompanied to the locker room by coaches.
Smith did not return after the incident. Macdonald said afterwards that Smith’s knee “structurally, seems to be fine”.
“This guy (is) probably the toughest player I’ve ever been around,” Macdonald told reporters on Sunday. “It was bad enough that he didn’t come back in the game.”
Sam Howellwhich was acquired in an off-season trade with the Washington Commandersreplaced Smith. He had only played one snap for Seattle before entering the game with his team leading 20-6. He completed just 5 of 14 passes for just 24 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.
Smith entered the NFC matchup second in the league in attempts, completions and passing yards, but he struggled before being injured, throwing his fourth interception in the end zone this season.
He was 15 of 19 for 149 yards and the pick. Seattle fell into a tie with the Los Angeles Rams atop the division.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.)
Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites for gaming information, news, and more.