Seahawks expect Jaxon Smith-Njigba to play in their opener vs. Rams weeks after surgery
Broken bone in his wrist? Surgery just a couple weeks ago?
Nothing that will deter Jaxon Smith-Njigba from starting the Seahawks’ opener.
Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday what seemed likely last week when Smith-Njigba returned to practice catching passes from Geno Smith days after his operation in Philadelphia Aug. 23: The team expects the rookie first-round draft choice to play as Seattle’s slot wide receiver with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field.
Carroll said the 21-year-old Smith-Njigba “hasn’t said a peep” about his surgically repaired wrist, and that the team has no hesitation playing him in the role he had all training camp and preseason. That was before his injury he got bracing his fall while getting tackled from behind Aug. 19 in Seattle’s preseason game against Dallas.
“Just shows his commitment. I always knew he was going to play,” Metcalf said. “His mindset is perfect for coming back week one.
“He’s an automatic baller.”
This story was originally published September 6, 2023 at 1:05 PM.
