Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jackson Smith-Niziva has a “minor fracture” to his left wrist, coach Pete Carroll told media sources on Tuesday. Here’s what you should know:
- Smith-Niziba was injured on a 48-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter against the Cowboys on Saturday night. He played the next snap, a 1-yard touchdown by Deejay Dallas, and continued for the rest of the game.
- Carroll said Smith-Niziva could be out for three to four weeks and will see a specialist on Tuesday for more information. “We’re going to be optimistic about it. We’ll see how it goes in three or four weeks. We don’t know yet.”
- Smith-Niziva, the 20th overall pick from Ohio State in the 2023 NFL Draft, caught six receptions for 83 yards in Seattle’s first two preseason games.
- Carroll added that inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks, less than eight months after anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is expected to play in the season opener. Safety Jamal Adams could also return to training tomorrow for the first time since tearing his quadriceps tendon in September.
what carol says
“He’s going to have surgery,” the Seattle coach said. “He is with a hand specialist. He has a minor fracture. We’re going to be optimistic about that, let’s see what happens in 3-4 weeks, we don’t know yet.”
Is Week 1 on?
“We remain optimistic,” Carroll said. “Let’s see what happens.”
Carroll told media sources that Smith-Nigba was in Philadelphia for further evaluation. If necessary, he will have surgery by Wednesday at the latest.
Asked about Adams, Carroll said: “We might bring him back here (walkthrough) tomorrow.”
“This is a big step forward for him. I think it will be finished tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.”
athletic Instant analysis:
How this affects the Seattle offensive
The Seahawks’ obvious adjustment in Smith-Niziva’s absence is to rely on a two-tight end package. Seattle used 12 players last season, the second-most percentage in the league, according to TruMedia. Given the way the roster was built, it made sense at the time.
Will Disley’s ability to split out wide with an inline tight end also gave them versatility in a multi-layered talent pool. Seattle’s first two snaps against the Cowboys came from among 13 (three tight ends, one running back). On the first play, Disley ran to right with right tackle Abe Lucas. Seattle had no huddle until the next play, with Disley lining up in the slot and running a whip route toward the safety for an 8-yard gain. Having a healthy and versatile tight end will help Seattle’s offense stay dynamic in any game they have to play without Smith-Nijiba. — Dugger
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(Photo: Tom Hawk/Getty Images)
