After injuring his throwing hand in quarter three, Wilson was forced to withdraw from their 26-17 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. After returning for one series, he was replaced by Geno Smith. Smith led a touchdown drive that gave Seattle (2-3) hope and then threw an interception which sealed the victory for the Rams (4-1).
Pete Carroll, the Seahawks’ coach, described the injury as a “badly fractured finger” and stated that it was too soon to give a timeline for Wilson’s return. Carroll stated that he wasn’t sure if Wilson would need surgery.
Carroll stated that there is much work involved in assessing all this. “Russell is a great healer, and he will do everything he can get back as soon possible.”
Before they travel to Pittsburgh on Oct. 17, the Seahawks will have a brief hiatus. Wilson has never missed a single game during his NFL career. Wilson has been active for 149 consecutive games, which is the longest streak of any active quarterback.
Wilson was not available for media interviews after the game.
Wilson was replaced by Smith in the fourth quarter. Smith threw DK Metcalf a 23-yard touchdown pass for Los Angeles to reduce Los Angeles’ lead down to 16-14. Metcalf’s second touchdown was the culmination of a 10-play, 98 yard drive in which Smith went 5-for-5. This prompted the Lumen Field crowd to chant “GENO!” GE-NO!
Wilson banged against Aaron Donald’s arm during a third quarter incompletion. The Fox broadcast showed Wilson’s tip bent down at the tip of his finger. The Seahawks’ team doctor, along with members of their athletic training personnel, examined Wilson for several minutes from the sidelines. They then watched Wilson grasp a football and bandaged his finger.
Wilson was back for the Seahawks’ next drive and threw one pass on a three, out. Smith replaced Wilson when Seattle regained possession. Wilson celebrated Smith’s touchdown pass from Metcalf by running down the sideline with his teammates and patting one of them on the helmet with the left hand.
Carroll stated that “everyone was united” in the decision to insert Smith. Wilson added that Wilson “knows himself” and knew he would not help them with an injured finger.
Carroll stated that Carroll was unable to keep the football in his hands. He needed it to be thrown. We didn’t know what he could do. He was just uneasy. He was just unsure. He would have done it if he could.”
Wilson was 11-of-16 for the 152 yard, with a touchdown and an interception from a tip throw. Smith was 10-of-17 for 131 yards and added 23 yards rushing on his three attempts. His interception came on a throw meant for Tyler Lockett who fell to the ground.
Carroll stated that Geno did a great job and was very in command. “We were able do all sorts of things out there with him. He was very professional and handled all communications well. We had the chance to win a football match. All of this gave us the chance to win the football match with just a few minutes left.
After playing without Chris Carson (neck), running back, and tight end Gerald Everett(reserve/COVID-19), the Seahawks led 7-3 at the halftime break before the Rams opened the second quarter with consecutive touchdown drives. Los Angeles had 476 yards total offense. DeSean Jackson caught a Matthew Stafford pass between Sidney Jones, cornerback, and safety Jamal Adams.
The Seahawks held the Rams down to 2-of-10 on third, but ended up with one sack and three hits on Stafford.
ESPN Stats and Information reports that Seattle has allowed at most 450 yards in four consecutive games. This streak is the longest in team history, and the longest in NFL history.
Safety Quandre Diggs said, “We have s— that we need to fix, and everyone knows that.” He had his second interception in just a few weeks. “At the end, you have to do your job or not be able to handle this kind of environment. It’s that simple.
Smith, 30 years old, is currently in his third season as a Seahawks player. He had only attempted five passes in mop up duty during his two previous seasons. Smith’s touchdown pass was his debut since 2017, which was the year he made his last start. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Smith’s 98-yard touchdown drive was his longest in his career. It also marked the longest touchdown drive by the Seahawks since Week 17.
Smith played 29 games in two seasons for the New York Jets, after he was drafted in the second round of 2013. Smith was asked his thoughts on what the NFL should do if he is called next Sunday in Pittsburgh.
He said, “I just want win.” “That’s all that matters. “I just want to win.”
