Geno Smith full participant in practice with Seattle Seahawks
RENTON, Wash. - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was fully able to practice with the team on Wednesday after leaving Sunday night's game against the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury.
Initial reports after the game were hopeful that Smith had avoided any significant injury with follow-up testing on Monday showing no major issues.
"Geno feels good," head coach Mike Macdonald said prior to practice. "Did walkthrough today. We've got a plan for practice, we'll see how it kind of alters as the practice starts to declare, but he'll be out there for a significant capacity today. We'll see how many reps he takes."
Smith was injured midway through the third quarter as Seattle was driving deep into Packers' territory. Edgerrin Cooper pressured Smith into throwing a pass away as Smith retreated from pressure. Cooper forced Smith's feet out from underneath him, but his right shoe briefly caught in the turf and twisted his leg.
Smith initially got up after the play, but sat back down on the field and was tended to by the training staff. Smith slammed his helmet on the sideline once he left the field and was taken to the injury tent for evaluation. Smith would then be taken into the locker room for further examination.
He returned to the sidelines, jogging with a limp back from the locker room. However, the decision was made to hold him out the rest of the game.
"It just speaks to the type of person he is, the type of warrior he is. I know he was trying his hardest to get back in the game Sunday," wide receiver DK Metcalf said.
Howell was just 5-of-14 for 24 yards, was sacked four times and threw an interception in the relief effort. He also had a second throw nearly picked off as well.
Smith's ability to take part fully in practice on Wednesday is a strong indication he will be able to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Jaren Hall has spent most of the season on Seattle's practice squad as the third quarterback on the roster. He's twice been elevated for games but was made inactive each time.
Hall played in three games for the Vikings last season and made two starts, completing 13-of-20 passes for 168 yards and an interception. He sustained a concussion in his first start against Atlanta after completing 5-of-6 passes for 78 yards before the injury.
"I love the guy," Macdonald said of Hall. "We're always sitting back there during practice and hearing what he sees in scout team, the things that working through each week and how he sees it. He does a pretty good job of kind of diagnosing what's sound in our game plan and what makes it hard on offenses. This guy is just really smart. We get some reps with the backups like later on in practice. He's a great competitor and does a great job when he's given the opportunity with the guys out there."
It may become necessary to have a third quarterback in uniform Sunday against Minnesota due to Smith's injury concern.
Beyond the quarterback spot, running backs Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet both did not practice on Wednesday.
Walker took part in the team's walkthrough as he is still working back from a calf injury. Macdonald said they're encouraged by his status for this week after missing the last two games.
"We're optimistic. We'll see how many reps today, but did walkthrough. Probably ramp it up a little bit more tomorrow," he said.
Charbonnet did not participate due to an oblique issue.
Center Olu Oluwatimi also did not practice after being knocked out of Sunday's loss with a right knee injury. He's expcted back to practice on Thursday.
"Might not see him today full capacity but should be out there tomorrow rocking and rolling," Macdonald said.
Jalen Sundell finished the game at center for Seattle and Mike Novitsky is on the practice squad as another possible option, if needed.
Injury Report:
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