Seahawks first-round pick to undergo surgery

By Tommy Fradenburg | Last updated Aug 22, 2023 3:15 PM ET

Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba made what appeared to be nothing more than one of the many big plays expected from him in last Wednesday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

After speeding past fellow rookie Eric Scott, quarterback Drew Lock delivered a strike in stride to Smith-Njigba, who hauled it in before eventually getting brought down from behind just before crossing the goal line.

He popped up to celebrate the chunk play, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that on it he suffered a broken bone in his wrist that needs surgery to repair.

"Seahawks' first-round pick Jaxson Smith-Njigba is undergoing wrist surgery today in Philadelphia, but still could have a chance for the start of the regular season," Schefter posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "Surgery will determine how long he will miss."

Smith-Njigba, who's caught six balls for 83 yards this preseason, was drafted 20th overall from Ohio State to create a three-headed receiving monster in Seattle, joining D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

While Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll would love to have his newest offensive weapon on the field as much as possible, Seattle starts the season with three of its first four games against teams in the top-11 for passing yards allowed last season in the Lions, Panthers and Rams.

With the return of Metcalf and Lockett, as well as running back Kenneth Walker III (who topped 1,000 rushing last year in his rookie season), quarterback Geno Smith has the top-heavy talent to hold serve while they wait for Smith-Njigba.

While the early schedule appears favorable Smith-Njigba's absence could still be a problem if there are setbacks in this recovery, with the Seahawks relatively light on wideouts. Physical specimen Metcalf and franchise pillar/wiley veteran Lockett should be healthy and ready to go. But, per ESPN, Seattle has other issues further down the depth chart between Dee Eskridge's suspension for violations of the league personal conduct policy and a nagging groin injury to Dareke Young.

They also likely won't get much help from their tight end room.

No tight end on the Seattle roster has caught more than 68 passes in a single season (Noah Fant, 2021). Last year Fant finished 18th in the NFL amongst tight ends in reception yards per StatMuse, averaging less than 30 yards per contest.

In a division that is there for the taking, getting a dynamic playmaker like Smith-Njigba back on the field will be crucial in Seattle's quest for an NFC West crown and more.

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