Seattle Seahawks’ first-round wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is set to undergo wrist surgery after sustaining a broken bone during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed that Smith-Njigba will be operated on by a hand specialist to ensure a safe and efficient recovery. It is anticipated that the talented rookie will be sidelined for approximately three to four weeks as he recuperates.
The injury occurred during a standout play in the second quarter of Saturday’s game when Smith-Njigba made a 48-yard reception before being tackled at the Dallas 1-yard line. Interestingly, he did not initially display any signs of distress or discomfort after the play. Despite this setback, Smith-Njigba has been making a positive impression throughout the offseason and preseason, showcasing his skills and potential. In fact, he has caught six out of his seven targets, accumulating an impressive 83 yards thus far.
Selected as the first wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba was chosen by the Seahawks as the 20th overall pick. During his collegiate career at Ohio State, he amassed 109 receptions for 1,691 yards and 10 touchdowns in 22 games. However, he faced some limitations last year due to a hamstring injury, leading to his participation in only three games.
With the regular season fast approaching, the Seahawks are scheduled to kick off their campaign at home against the Los Angeles Rams on September 10th. This gives Smith-Njigba approximately 19 days to recover and potentially be ready for Week 1. If he is unable to make his debut during this NFC West showdown, it will mean an increased workload for veteran wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Seahawks fans will surely be hoping for a speedy and successful recovery for Smith-Njigba as he looks to make his mark in the NFL. The team will be relying on his talents to contribute to their offensive firepower, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. However, with a supportive coaching staff and the determination to return stronger than ever, Smith-Njigba’s setback is merely a temporary obstacle on his path to success.
