Thursday night’s game between the 49ers and the Seahawks is expected to feature starting quarterback Geno Smith for the NFC West match on Thanksgiving.
Smith, who was limited in the walk-through for the majority of the week and is listed as questionable on the injury report, left Sunday’s game against the Rams with a contusion on his triceps and returned late in the game. However, he demonstrated enough throwing in Wednesday’s walk-through to give Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confidence that Smith is ready to play.
“He performed admirably today,” Carroll remarked. “We gave him a short week of rest during the majority of the throwing season. He performed incredibly well today.”
“I’m kind of thinking he is, yeah,” Carroll responded when asked if that indicated Smith was playing. He felt and looked good.”
When asked about his availability this week, Smith yielded to Carroll, but Carroll stated that Seattle’s quarterback never intended to miss this game.
“His attitude about what this was was that it was not going to bother him, it wasn’t going to be a big factor,” Carroll stated. “He has a large bruise on the back of his triceps, which makes him appear bad, but his attitude has been excellent the entire time. We didn’t let him throw the first few days, but other than that, he hasn’t missed a beat. He is prepared to go because he was doing everything.”
Sadly, running back Kenneth Walker III, who left Sunday’s game with an oblique injury, does not have as good of news for the Seahawks.
Walker is rated as doubtful and hasn’t practiced all week. Following Wednesday’s walk-through, Carroll essentially ruled him out.
Carroll declared, “Kenny’s not going to make it.” We didn’t rule it out as unlikely because you never know when you wake up and decide, ‘I can go.’ We’ll see, but he was unable to accomplish anything during the week. That’s how much we’ll leave the door open.
Walker’s chances of returning for the game on Thursday of next week will depend on how practice goes. It begins on Sunday with a “Competition Wednesday” practice.
“We’re hoping that’s the case, but we don’t know that,” Carroll stated.
“Until we get to the Wednesday day—I have no idea what day that would be—whenever that day shows up, we’ll know more then.”
With Walker probably out, Zach Charbonnet and DeeJay Dallas will likely have more work to do. Additionally, rookie running back Kenny McIntosh will probably make his debut.
Carroll declared, “Zach is fired up and ready to go.” “Kenny Mac is ready to go too, and DeeJay.”
Abraham Lucas is expected to return next week, according to Carroll, even though the Seahawks will not activate him from injured reserve before Thursday’s game. Lucas, a second-year tackle, had a strong workout following a walk-through on Tuesday.
“Abe got his first on-field work yesterday, full speed, pads and the whole thing after practice, and he did quite well,” Carroll stated. “However, he won’t be able to attend this game.
Carroll added, “He needed to pass that test yesterday to get that done,” but Lucas “very much so” had a chance to play the following week. He produced some pass-rush material and made some great shots. Yesterday, he completed a small portion of everything, and it was a great workout. He had to demonstrate that he could overcome that, and he succeeded in doing so. Thus, that bodes very well for the coming week.”
Carroll also revealed that Jerrick Reed II, a rookie safety, tore his ACL, necessitating surgery and ending his season.
“It’s remarkable ow he’s getting around, you would never know he’s hurt,” Carroll stated. “He seems very strange about it, so I’m not sure what the deal is. However, they noticed that he was bouncing around a little bit based on the scans and other things. You would never know by looking at him around here, but I’m afraid he’s going to need surgery.”
The Seahawks may activate defensive back Coby Bryant from injured reserve in advance of tomorrow’s game now that Reed is out.
Bryant returned to practice this week, and Carroll stated, “Coby’s ready to go.” Bryant played nickel corner last season but also received a lot of work at safety during camp and the preseason this year. In this game, he has a chance.”
Carroll continued by saying that Bryant’s return might lessen the impact of Reed’s absence on special teams, where the rookie had excelled this season, recording nine tackles, which tied for third most in the NFL.
Reed has excelled on special teams, according to Carroll. He’s truly been a highlight for us and one of our leaders.
We lose the explosive plays he’s made, chasing punts and kicks, but if Coby steps in, we might not lose much because we know he’s physical, aggressive, and a productive player. Coby is eager to play and is ready to go, but it will be difficult for him to return.”
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