The Seattle Seahawks play their first preseason contest of the new season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media following Thursday’s practice and offered some key updates. Macdonald confirmed that “most” defensive starters will play a little, whereas some of the offensive starters won’t suit up. That includes Geno Smith, who won’t play.
Sitting Smith is the correct decision.
“I think defensively, you’ll see a good amount of starters out there to start the game and we’ll see how long that lasts,” Macdonald said. “Offensively, as of right now, I don’t believe Geno’s [Smith] going to go, and a couple of other [offensive] starters aren’t going to go as well,” Macdonald concluded.
Coach Mike Macdonald says QB Geno Smith probably won’t play #Seahawks preseason opener Saturday at Chargers. Most defensive starters will, he says. Some offensive starters won’t @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/IeufhNXZYf
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 8, 2024
Smith recently returned to practice after missing four sessions with a minor hip/knee issue. Smith underwent imaging for the ailment. Testing results revealed nothing serious, and he has been a physical participant in Seattle’s latest practices. The timing makes skipping this weekend’s preseason game the appropriate decision.
Smith’s absence means Sam Howell should receive the start. General manager John Schneider acquired the third-year signal caller along with 2024 fourth-and-sixth-round picks from the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason in exchange for 2024 third-and-fifth-round selections. Howell started 17 games for the Commanders last season, throwing for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
PJ Walker is the other quarterback on the roster and should see extensive action as well. Walker, a nine-year pro, is attempting to convince the Seahawks to keep three quarterbacks on the active 53 man roster. He’ll receive opportunities to impress throughout the preseason. He faces an uphill battle considering the Seahawks traded for Howell, and given that Schneider kept just two QBs on the roster last year.
