RENTON, Wash. -- Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback, is scheduled to see a hand specialist in Los Angeles Friday after injuring his middle finger throwing hand in a Los Angeles Rams loss.
Pete Carroll, the coach, described the injury as a bad strain. 710 ESPN Seattle reported that Wilson will be examined by a doctor to determine if he has mallet finger, and how it may impact his availability.
The Seahawks (2-3), will be taking a break before they face the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Oct. 17.
Carroll said to reporters that he was being examined by an expert today and would know more when he returns. "I don’t know much more than I did last night. We have to wait to see how they evaluate.
Carroll wasn't able to comment on the Xrays Wilson took postgame. Wilson added that Carroll is likely to have another Xray in Los Angeles.
He said, "But there's a problem." "There is definitely something going on, and we have to determine the extent and the next steps to take."
Wilson's status for Sunday's Pittsburgh game is up in the air so Wilson's streak of 149 consecutive starts, the longest ever by an active quarterback, could be in danger. According to Elias Sports Bureau Peyton Manning (28) is the only quarterback to have started more consecutive games since the 1970 merger. Wilson has suffered some serious injuries including a sprained ankle in 2016 and a sprained MCL.
Carroll stated, "This is Russ at its best in terms of competitiveness," when asked about Wilson's handling of the situation. He is making every effort to make the most of what is available to him. He is tuned in. He is focused. He worked all night. He is already flying. He is now ready to fly. Everything was done as efficiently and quickly as possible. It's all about looking ahead. Already looking forward to getting things right and coming back. We're discussing it that way and I know he will maximize the time frame. He will do an amazing job no matter what he is up against."
Wilson sustained an injury in the third quarter after his hand smashed against Aaron Donald's arm as he was releasing a deep throw. The broadcast showed Wilson's tip bent down unnaturally. The Seahawks' team doctor, along with members of their athletic training personnel, examined Wilson for several minutes. They then watched Wilson grasp a football and bandaged his finger.
Wilson was back for one series. He threw a quick pass on a three and out, then Geno Smith took over for the rest of the game.
Carroll stated that "everyone was united" in the decision to insert Smith after it became apparent that Wilson wasn't able to grip the ball enough to throw it. Carroll was insistent Friday that it was not a matter of pain management.
He said, "Nobody should doubt his toughness." He said, "Nobody should doubt his determination. He could have thrown the football and kept it. Anyone who says otherwise isn't really understanding what they are talking about. You can do all sorts of things with your hands, but you cannot throw the football. He tried last night but couldn't control the ball. He would have done it if he could.
Seattle got hope Thursday night when Smith completed a touchdown pass from DK Metcalf to Smith. This was the culmination of a 98 yard drive in which Smith went 5-for-5. To seal the win, Smith was intercepted by Tyler Lockett on a throw that he made to him. Smith completed 10 of 17 passes for 131 yards.
Carroll stated, "I thought Geno did an amazing job last night." "Geno has been practicing with us all these years and is waiting for his chance if needed. His patience and willingness to keep it going, as well as his relationships with Russ (and the coaches), have been admirable. He was a natural performer when he went on the field. He is a talented football player. He has a strong arm, great sense and is very familiar with the system.
"I have complete faith that Geno can do it and you saw it last evening in a very difficult situation -- hurry up, all that stuff. He was great at it. Geno is very knowledgeable about the system and will be able to help everyone with their preparation. Geno makes his friends feel confident and comfortable, which I think is a wonderful showing."
Smith was primarily a mop-up worker before Thursday night. Smith's most recent appearance was with the New York Giants in 2017.
Carroll stated that Smith, despite not getting many reps, has the necessary makeup to be a backup quarterback.
Carroll stated, "It's the makeup Geno wouldn't like to be proud off -- that I'm really great at backing up -- because everybody wants to be a good starter and I have always spoken to him that way. That's what he is and that will be when it comes." He'll get the chance now and I'm so happy for him.
Carroll announced that tight end Gerald Everett is now allowed to return from COVID-19/reserve after he received his second negative result. He will practice Monday.
Carroll says that Chris Carson, running back, is still not in a clear place. Due to a neck problem that flared up again this week, he was not able to play Thursday night.
Carroll stated that "this is really a daily deal with Chris." "We will see how he responds. He was not helped by the short week."
