Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s ‘bug’ temporary. But 4 key Seahawks out vs. Saints
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s “bug” is nothing more.
The Seahawks’ leading wide receiver was down Saturday with what was described as flu-like symptoms. But by Sunday he was good enough to start again in Seattle’s offense against the New Orleans Saints at drizzly Lumen Field.
The Seahawks had added Smith-Njigba Saturday to the injury list for the game, as questionable.
But all four doubtful Seahawks were inactive and out Sunday. Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon missed his second game in a row. He bruised the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in Seattle’s week-one loss to San Francisco. Pro Bowl safety Julian Love missed the game Sunday with a hamstring injury he got while the Seahawks beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh last weekend. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori missed his second consecutive game with a high-ankle sprain. He got that on the fifth defensive play of the opener Sept. 7. Second running back Zach Charbonnet was out Sunday. He injured his toe rushing 15 times for 10 yards at Pittsburgh Sept. 14.
After they were to play the Saints Sunday, the Seahawks play at Arizona Thursday. That short turnaround factored into coaches and trainers not testing Witherspoon’s, Love’s, Emmanwori’s and Charbonnet’s injuries.
The injuries in the secondary again had Derion Kendrick poised to be the primary fifth, nickel defensive back. Cut last month by the Los Angeles Rams who drafted him, Kendrick had an interception at Pittsburgh in his first fill-in role with Witherspoon and Emmanwori out last week.
With Charbonnet out Sunday, George Holani was in the backfield with lead runner Kenneth Walker against New Orleans.
Other Seahawks inactives
Seattle’s other inactive players Sunday were healthy scratches: rookie offensive lineman Mason Richman, rookie tight end Nick Kallerup and rookie linebacker Connor O’Toole.
Jerrick Reed up
Love’s and Emmanwori’s injuries meant the Seahawks needed a safety for depth Sunday. They signed Jerrick Reed from the practice squad to the active roster.
Friday, Seattle released wide receiver Cody White, then signed the veteran back to the practice squad.
The Seahawks signed veteran guard Shane Lemieux to the practice squad. The former Oregon Duck made four starts last season for the Saints.
Seattle released rookie running back and seventh-round draft choice Damien Martinez from the practice squad.
This story was originally published September 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM.
