Prior to their Thanksgiving game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks provided an update on the health of their two key players: running back Kenneth Walker III and quarterback Geno Smith. With a triceps contusion on his throwing arm, Smith’s status is listed as questionable, but Coach Pete Carroll is optimistic about his availability. Conversely, Walker is considered doubtful due to an oblique injury, and Carroll stated that they do not expect him to play.
Seahawks are listing QB Geno Smith as questionable and RB Kenneth Walker as doubtful for Thursday night’s game vs. the 49ers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2023
During Sunday’s 17-16 loss, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald struck Smith, 33, in the right elbow area, leaving him out for the majority of the fourth quarter. Smith returned for the game’s final offensive possession in spite of the injury. On Tuesday, he declared, “I definitely feel a little bit better after a couple of days,” indicating that his health had improved.
Carroll reiterated that Smith won’t require any additional on-field testing beyond his customary warm-up and expressed his belief that the quarterback will play against the 49ers. The Seahawks’ position in the NFC West may be decided by this divisional matchup.
Carroll stated, “His attitude… was not going to bother him, that it wasn’t going to be a big factor.” “He has a large bruise on the back of his triceps, which makes him appear bad, but his attitude has been excellent the entire time. We didn’t let him throw the first few days, but other than that, he hasn’t missed a beat. He was putting in all the work. Thus, he’s prepared to go.
Geno Smith takes a hard hit. #SEAvsLAR pic.twitter.com/mi0h21Hikb
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) November 19, 2023
Smith appears to be available, but Kenneth Walker III, the running back, has a less promising future. Because of an unrelated injury he received during the same game against the Rams, he is considered doubtful. Carroll stated that they do not anticipate Walker participating in the next game.
Depending on the result of Thursday night’s game, the 6-4 Seahawks could either overtake the 49ers in the NFC West or drop to a two-game deficit behind them. Carroll highlighted Smith’s eagerness to play and upbeat demeanor in spite of the uncertainty, indicating his desire to help the team succeed.
