Pete Carroll gives an update on Russell Wilson’s injury and praises Geno Smith, his backup quarterback, for taking over in his absence. (0:50).
SEATTLE -- Seattle Seahawks have more to be concerned about than just a 2-3 start, and an early deficit on the NFC West standings. Russell Wilson's health has been a concern for the first time in ten years.
Wilson was forced to retire from their loss to Los Angeles Rams, 26-17 on Thursday night. He had injured his middle finger in the third quarter and suffered a severe injury to it. After returning for one series, he was replaced by Geno Smith. Smith led a touchdown drive that gave Seattle hope and then threw an interception which sealed the victory for the Rams (4-1).
Pete Carroll, Seahawks coach, described the injury to his star quarterback as a "badly fractured finger" after the game. He stated that the team would continue to evaluate it and that it was too early to give a timeline for Wilson's recovery.
Carroll said that he wasn't sure if Wilson would need surgery.
Next up, the Seahawks will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on October 17. Wilson's streak of 149 consecutive starts is the longest ever by an active quarterback.
Carroll stated that Russell is "one of the greatest healers of all times, and he will do whatever it takes to get back as quickly as possible."
Wilson didn't speak with the media after the match.
Wilson was replaced by Smith in the fourth quarter. Smith threw DK Metcalf a 23-yard touchdown pass for Los Angeles to reduce Los Angeles' lead to 16-14. This was the culmination of a 10-play, 98 yard drive in which Smith went 5 for 5. The crowd at Lumen Field chanted "GE-NO!" GE-NO!
Wilson smashed his throwing hand against Aaron Donald during a third quarter incompletion. The Seahawks' team doctor and other members of their athletic training personnel examined Wilson for several minutes. They watched Wilson grip a football, then bandaged his middle finger.
Wilson was back for the Seahawks' next drive and threw one pass on a three and out. Smith replaced Wilson when Seattle regained possession. Wilson celebrated Smith's touchdown pass from Metcalf by running down the sideline with his teammates and patting one of them on the helmet with the left hand.
Since joining the NFL in 2012, Wilson has not missed a single game.
Smith, a 30-year-old, is now in his third season with Seahawks. He had only made five passes in mop up duty during his first two seasons.
Smith's touchdown pass was his debut since 2017. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Smith's touchdown pass was his longest since 2017.
On Thursday, Wilson was the last Seahawk to throw another touchdown. Baldwin caught a trick play in 2016.
