Geno Smith injury update: Seahawks turning to Drew Lock at QB against 49ers with starter inactive

Edward Sutelan

Geno Smith injury update: Seahawks turning to Drew Lock at QB against 49ers with starter inactive image

The Seahawks face a daunting road clash against the 49ers in Week 14. It won't be any easier without Geno Smith.

Seattle's starting quarterback has been ruled out for Sunday's contest in San Francisco. He had been limited in practice as he dealt with a groin injury.

Despite dealing with occasional ailments during 2023, Smith started all 12 games prior to Sunday. He has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 2,918 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and he's rushed 30 times for 92 yards and another touchdown.

Smith had one of his worst games of the season against the 49ers, however, when at home, he completed only 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards without a touchdown and an interception in Seattle's 31-13 defeat to San Francisco.

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Lock has previously come on in relief for Seattle, but has found no success when on the field. In appearances against the Giants and Rams, he completed 2 of 6 passes in both contests (4 of 12 overall), tallying 63 passing yards against New York and three yards and an interception against the Rams.

Why isn't Smith playing? Here's what you need to know.

Geno Smith injury update

Smith will not be making the start on Sunday against the 49ers due to a groin injury.

Per NFL.com, Smith injured his groin during Thursday's practice and did not practice on Friday.

This is a different injury from what has hindered him in the past. Facing the Giants, he suffered a knee injury that he called a "dirty play," and though he missed some time in the game, he returned later. Against the Rams, he left after suffering an elbow bruise after he was hit by defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Smith wound up returning late in the game.

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Seahawks QB depth chart

  • Geno Smith
  • Drew Lock
  • Sean Mannion

Lock, acquired in the Russell Wilson trade, is the backup to Smith and will be the starter as long as he misses time.

In his career, three seasons with the Broncos and two with the Seahawks, Lock has completed 58.9 percent of his pass attempts for 4,806 yards with 25 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He's also rushed 73 times for 296 yards and five touchdowns.

Behind Lock is Sean Mannion, who has not appeared in an NFL game since 2021 with the Vikings. Mannion has appeared in 14 games (three starts) and has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 573 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.

Previously, Brett Rypien had been the team's practice squad quarterback, but he was signed by the Jets.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.