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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Expected To Play vs. Rams & Other Seahawks Injury Updates

Injury updates from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll heading into Week 1 of the season.

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Rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba fractured his wrist in the Seahawks' second preseason game, an injury that required surgery, but despite that relatively recent injury, the first-round pick is expected to play when the Seahawks open their season Sunday against the Rams.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Smith-Njigba is doing "quite well," and that the receiver hasn't reported any issues after getting work in practice last week and on Monday.

"He hasn't said a peep about it," Carroll said. "Nothing. He's fine. It's been a remarkable mentality that he's brought to it, it's better than most guys that you see. He's not hesitating to do everything throughout the gameplan and the preparation and all of that."

Carroll then responded in the affirmative when asked if he expects Smith-Njigba to play.

The status of fellow first-round pick Devon Witherspoon is less certain, but the cornerback out of Illinois did return to practice this week, giving him at least a chance to make it back. 

"He's practicing," Carroll said. "He'll go today, and we'll see how he does… He's still monitored a little bit with his numbers, but he's going to get out there and go. He's going to be full speed today."

And Smith-Njigba isn't the only rookie making his way back from injury. Defensive lineman Mike Morris and outside linebacker Derick Hall both returned to practice after missing time with shoulder injuries. 

"Today will be important to see them again, but Mike had a really good Monday, and Derick was a little bit limited on Monday, we'll see how he does today," Carroll said. "But those guys are working to see if they can find their way back in."

Outside linebacker Darrell Taylor, who tied for the team lead with 9.5 sacks in 2022, is also back on the practice field this week after missing much of camp and the preseason with a shoulder injury, and Carroll indicated Taylor will play.

"He's fired up," Carroll said. "He's ready to go."

Saftey Jamal Adams won't play this week, Carroll said, but he continues to make progress in his recovery from a torn quadriceps tendon.

"He's really pumped up now," Carroll said. "I was with Jamal this morning, and he's talking about how close it's getting and how much he's ready to get rolling. But there's still a process to it, and we're not quite there yet. He's really positive, and is maybe the strongest, best shape he's ever been in because he's worked so hard in this process. Since he's been here, he's just been stellar about going for it and pushing it. He's really positive, and we've just got to wait it out and be patient."

Adams is currently taking part in walkthroughs, and the hope is to have him back on the practice field next week.

"He'll get back on the field and get a lot of work next week, and we'll start the process," Carroll said.

The Seahawks and Rams face off for the first game of the regular season on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Rams.

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