- Update: While Geno Smith is active, the Seattle Seahawks have opted to start Drew Lock due to the rainy conditions in Settle.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (strained groin) will be active for Monday night’s huge home date with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Seattle made it official in announcing its inactives ahead of this must-win outing. It was not looking great heading into Monday night’s action. But Smith did the work pre-game and showed enough for the Seahawks to let the hobbled quarterback give it a go.
Veteran journeyman Drew Lock completed 22-of-31 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns in last week’s 28-16 loss to San Francisco with Smith sidelined. However, he also threw two interceptions in defeat.
Geno Smith stats (2023): 64.4% completion, 2,918 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT
Smith, 33, has not been as good for Seattle this season. Remember, he won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 en route to leading the Seahawks to a surprise appearance in the NFL Playoffs. That season saw him lead the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%) while throwing for 4,282 yards to go with 30 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions.
Despite this, Smith’s presence is going to be felt big time against an Eagles squad that’s attempting to bounce back after consecutive lossed to the 49ers and Cowboys.
Related: Ranking Geno Smith among NFL starting quarterbacks
As for the Seahawks, they sit at 6-7 on the season and have been eliminated from contention in the NFC West. A win against Philadelphia would place Seattle in a tie with the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints for the final two playoff spots in the NFC. A loss would have the team one game out.
Seattle has dropped four consecutive since a 6-3 start to the season. The onus is now going to be on Smith to do his thing in order to keep the Seahawks above water heading into Week 16. Whether he’s close to 100% is a completely different story.