Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jackson Smith-Nzigba suffered a “minor fracture” in his left wrist, coach Pete Carroll told members of the media on Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Smith-Nzigba suffered the injury 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 run by DJ Dallas — then sat out the rest of the game.
- Carroll said Smith-Nzigba could be out three to four weeks and is seeing a specialist on Tuesday for more information. “We’re going to be optimistic about it. Three, four weeks, we’ll see what happens. We don’t know yet.”
- Smith-Nzigba, the No. 20 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, had six receptions for 83 yards in Seattle’s first two preseason games.
- Carroll added linebacker Jordin Brooks is expected to play in the season opener, less than eight months removed from his ACL surgery. Safety Jamal Adams also could return to practice tomorrow for the first time since suffering a ruptured quad tendon in September.
What is Carol saying?
“He’s going to have surgery,” the Seattle coach said. He is with a hand specialist. He has a minor fracture. We just want to make sure we do the right thing to make sure he gets back as quickly and as safely as possible. We’re going to be optimistic about it; Three to four weeks, we’ll see what happens. We don’t know yet.”
Is there a week 1 game?
“We’re staying optimistic,” Carroll said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Carroll told members of the media that Smith-Nzigba remains in Philadelphia for further evaluation. If necessary, he will undergo surgery after Wednesday.
When asked about Adams, Carroll said, “He has a chance to come back here (by walking) tomorrow.
“It’s a big step forward for him. But it’s not a move that means he’s returning to practice just yet. We want to get him in the flow. … So, I think we’ll get it done tomorrow or the day after.”
Athletics Instant analysis:
How this affects Seattle’s offense
The obvious adjustment for the Seahawks in the absence of Smith-Nzigbar is to rely on his two tight end package. Seattle used 12 personnel last season, the second-highest rate in the league, according to Trumedia. It made sense at the time based on how the roster was built.
Will Disley’s ability to play in-line tight end and split out wide also gave them versatility from that heavy personnel grouping. Seattle’s first two snaps against the Cowboys were 13 personnel (three tight ends, one running back). The first play was a run to the right side with Disley connecting with right tackle Abe Lucas. Seattle didn’t go nuts before the next play, where Disley lined up in the slot to run a whip route against the safety for an eight-yard gain. Having a healthy, versatile tight end will help keep Seattle’s offense moving in any game without Smith-Nzigba. – Dugar
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