The Seattle Seahawks are aiming to bounce back this season after narrowly missing the playoffs last year.
They made a surprising postseason appearance in 2022 following the trade of franchise quarterback Russell Wilson. His replacement, Geno Smith, shattered his backup reputation by making the Pro Bowl and leading the NFL in completion percentage.
During mandatory minicamps, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba exited Wednesday’s session early due to a shoulder issue. However, head coach Mike Macdonald assured it’s not a serious problem, according to Around The NFL.
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (shoulder) left practice early with a shoulder issue, but head coach Mike Macdonald indicated it's not serioushttps://t.co/jN7cYLCDvT pic.twitter.com/cEwYgZVHDu
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 12, 2024
Despite DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett being Seattle’s top wide receiver threats, Smith-Njigba has proven he deserves a significant role in their passing game. As a rookie in 2023, the first-round pick from Ohio State recorded 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns.
In his sophomore season at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba set a school record with 1,606 receiving yards and broke the Rose Bowl record with 347 receiving yards. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury limited him to three games the following year.
The Seahawks will likely need increased production from him, as several NFC teams have improved. The Los Angeles Rams are rising after an unexpected playoff berth last year, and the Arizona Cardinals now boast Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft and a generational wide receiver prospect.
