Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith Returning for Week 16 at Tennessee Titans
The Seattle Seahawks will start a familiar face at quarterback for their Christmas Eve matchup in Nashville with the Tennessee Titans.
Incumbent starter Geno Smith has been removed from Seattle’s Week 16 injury report and is expected to start on Sunday against the Titans.
Smith had missed two consecutive games due to a groin injury, which he suffered during a Dec. 7 practice. Though he was active this past Monday against the Philadelphia Eagles after completing a pregame workout, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll eventually decided on starting top backup Drew Lock.
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith
© Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY
Carroll’s decision ended up paying dividends for Seattle, as Locke led a come-from-behind 20-17 victory over Philadelphia. Over the past two games, the Missouri product has completed 44 of 64 passes for 477 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions — helping the team to a 1-1 record.
Still, the starting job remains in the hands of Smith, who has been eager to return to action. He has been a full practice participant all week and has indicated to multiple news outlets — including All Seahawks — that he felt physically to play this weekend. Earlier this week, Carroll alluded to Smith’s improving health, but eventually stopped short of endorsing his Week 16 return.
“It’s day-to-day. He’s got to go through today, see how he is tomorrow, and just do that like anybody else that’s coming back,” Carroll told reporters on Wednesday. “But we’re really encouraged that he’s going to be all right, and we won’t overtax him during the week either. Just the workload being mounted should give him the confidence and the trainers and everybody supporting him that he’s ready to go.”
In 12 regular season appearances this season, Smith has compiled 2.918 yards on 259 completions with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has also carried the ball 30 times for 92 yards and one score.
