Seahawks may be forced into quarterback change for Week 14

Nov 21, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) jogs to the locker room following a 23-13 loss against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks may have to turn to a backup quarterback for their big Week 14 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday that quarterback Geno Smith had tweaked his groin during Thursday’s practice. Smith was officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, and Carroll did not sound particularly optimistic about Smith being able to go.

Does Pete Carroll think Geno Smith will play Sunday vs. the 49ers?

“We’ll see. We rested him today.”

Carroll said Smith “tweaked his groin a little bit” in practice yesterday when he stumbled over somebody. pic.twitter.com/UZEdsGy5n1

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 8, 2023

Carroll indicated that Drew Lock was more likely to start the game, and expressed confidence that Lock is “as ready as he’s going to get.”

Pete Carroll makes it sound possible Drew Lock makes his 1st #Seahawks start Sunday at 49ers. Geno Smith hurt groin in practice Thurs
Seattle signs QB Sean Mannion to PSqd
On Lock "He's been waiting for this opportunity. If this comes to pass he is as ready as he's going to get"

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 8, 2023

Regardless of Lock’s readiness, this is not great news for the Seahawks. They are much better off with Smith under center, even though Lock has had few chances to show what he can do this year.

Smith has been knocked out of games a few times this year. This timing could not be worse, however, given the importance of the game to Seattle’s playoff hopes.