Sam Howell

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald said Monday that he's "optimistic" QB Geno Smith (knee) will be able to practice this week and play against the Vikings on Sunday. "We re fortunate," Macdonald said. "A lot of positive, optimistic signs coming out of the test. Geno s a beast, man he s in here, working out in the morning, working through it. I know he s still feeling it, but this guy s tough as nails." We'll track Smith's status throughout the week. QB Sam Howell would be a tangible downgrade for the passing game if forced to start.

Although the seven targets looks good on paper, three of those looks were effectively thrown at the feet of the veteran tight end as Geno Smith scrambled to avoid pressure. He then saw just a single look from backup quarterback Sam Howell after Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury in the third quarter. Things don't get any better for Fant and the Seahawks considering the injury to their starting quarterback and a matchup with the Vikings looming.

Smith exited in the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the Packers and did not return to the game. He could be seen limping on the sideline before going to the locker room and later returned with his right knee wrapped. Macdonald said Smith will undergo imaging and further evaluation on Monday, but the Seahawks could be looking at starting Sam Howell in Week 16 when they take on the Vikings. Howell struggled mightily in relief of Smith, throwing for just 24 yards and a pick while completing 5-of-14 passes (35.7 percent). He also stayed on brand by taking four sacks. All Seahawks pass-catchers would receive an immediate downgrade next week if Howell lines up under center.

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald said after Sunday night's loss to the Packers that QB Geno Smith's right knee is "structurally" ok. "(It was) severe enough for him not to come back in the game," Macdonald added. "We'll do all the tests tomorrow and kind of figure it out as we go. ... I know we'll do everything humanely possible to go play, but just don't know right now." We should get another update by the end of today, but it sounds more likely than not that Smith misses time. That'd leave Sam Howell under center. He struggled badly in relief of Smith against Green Bay, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and an INT. Howell was a mixed bag as Washington's starter last year, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 TDs but also tossing 21 INTs and taking 65 sacks. He's a clear downgrade from Smith -- but better than most backups in the league.

Although the seven targets looks good on paper, three of those looks were effectively thrown at the feet of the veteran tight end as Geno Smith scrambled to avoid pressure. He then saw just a single look from backup quarterback Sam Howell after Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury in the third quarter. Things don't get any better for Fant and the Seahawks considering the injury to their starting quarterback and a matchup with the Vikings looming.