Seahawks Rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba: When's WR's Injury Return?
The Seattle Seahawks grabbed arguably the best receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but unfortunately, they'll have to wait a bit longer to see him in action.
Smith-Njigba suffered a fractured wrist during the Seahawks' preseason win over the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 19. Three days later, the former Ohio State star underwent surgery that will keep him out for around a month. As such, the Seahawks' new receiver trio of Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will have to make its debut later in the season.
At the very least, Smith-Njigba seems to be doing well after his surgery. After Saturday's preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll revealed that Smith-Njigba is already back in the facility and is very eager to get back on the field.
“He came back to the building and he was playing with the football," Carroll said. "He was ready. He was talking like he is OK. His attitude is great. They might say it is going to be 10 days or something. He wants to get going and get running and all of that so we will see how that works out. He is the kind of kid that we will have to hold back more than anything. I was really pleased about it."
Unfortunately, injuries are nothing new for Smith-Njigba. He missed the vast majority of his final season at Ohio State, catching just five passes for the Buckeyes last year.
Even with his injury issues, though, the hype around Smith-Njigba is well-earned. In 2021, he led all Power Five receivers with 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns on 95 catches. That Ohio State team had two 2022 first-round picks in Chris Olave and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, and Smith-Njigba outproduced them both.
Needless to say, the Seahawks will be eagerly awaiting Smith-Njigba's return whenever he can get back on the field.
You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News
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