Smith, Walker to play for Seahawks vs. Vikings

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks hands the ball off to Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in (Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)

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RENTON, Wash. - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ken Walker III were both cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Smith, Walker and center Olu Oluwatimi all were off the final injury report of the week as all starters on the roster are expected to play in a key game for Seattle's playoff chances.

"We're excited about those guys," head coach Mike Macdonald said.

Smith was a full participant in each of the team's three practices this week after injuring his knee in last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Smith said on Thursday that he expected to play.

"Keeps getting better every day, seems like he's in great spirits. (He's) operating the offense really well. So, it's the same picture. We're excited about him," Macdonald said.

. I wouldn't think he would tell you he's 100 percent, but he's done everything he possibly can to be ready to go and be in a good frame of mind going into the game. But, I'm not sure if and how it will show up."

With Smith ailing, Macdonald confirmed that they have discussed having Jaren Hall in uniform as a third quarterback for the Vikings game.

"Yeah. I'd say that there's been some thought behind it," he said.

Hall has been elevated twice from the practice squad twice this year, but made inactive for the game both times. There is a rule that allows a third quarterback to remain inactive but be available in emergencies, but the quarterback has to be on the active roster for this and not just a practice squad elevation.

Meanwhile, Walker is set to return to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a calf injury. Walker was a full participant in the final two days of practice this week.

"He looks really good. I think he's confident. Had a good week of practice," Macdonald said.

Zach Charbonnet also missed some practice time this week due to an oblique issue, but was a full participant on Friday and is good to go.

Like Smith, Oluwatimi also was forced out of Sunday's loss to the Packers with a knee injury. Undrated rookie Jalen Sundell finished the game at center in Oluwatimi's place in his first extended game action with the team. Oluwatimi was limited in Thursday's practice before being a full participant on Friday.

"Olu's looking good. Ready to go," Macdonald said.

Tight end Brady Russell (foot), linebacker Trevis Gipson (ankle) and safety K'Von Wallace (ankle) were the only players ruled out.

Russell has dealt with the foot injury for the last several weeks, while Gipson was injured in practice this week. Wallace has been a full participant in practice all week as he works back from an ankle injury on the injured reserve list, but the designation shows Seattle doesn't intend to activate him this weekend.

Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins didn't practice on Friday due to an illness, but is expected to play.

Injury Report: