Seahawks coach Pete Carroll believes quarterback Geno Smith will play in the team’s NFC West showdown against the 49ers on Thursday, despite suffering an elbow injury in Sunday’s 17–16 loss to the Rams.
Smith left the game in the third quarter after Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald carved a path right through the Seahawks’ offensive line and popped Smith in the backfield, sending him to the ground. He suffered a contusion after being hit on the tendon below his triceps and elbow, according to Carroll.
Backup quarterback Drew Locke entered the game in Smith’s absence. But after Locke failed to generate points on three offensive drives that included a fourth-quarter interception, Smith managed to return for the Seahawks’ final drive.
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Although Smith will deal with some swelling over the next few days, Carroll said he believes the quarterback will “make it back” for Seattle’s game on Thanksgiving.
“I would think so,” Carroll’s status of playing on Thursday, per 710 Seattle Sports. “… Don’t think there is any damage [to Smith’s elbow] other than that.”
When Smith re-entered Sunday’s contest, it did not appear that he had any difficulties throwing the ball as he connected on passes with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf on the Seahawks’ final possession that set up Jason Myers for a potential game-winning field goal. However, Myers missed wide right on the attempt.
With Sunday’s loss, Seattle (6–4) dropped one game beneath the 49ers (7–3) in the NFC West.
