Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is set to undergo wrist surgery in Philadelphia on Tuesday, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The results of the surgery will determine his availability for the start of the season.
Smith-Njigba had an impressive showing in the two preseason games he played, recording six catches for 83 yards. However, he suffered a broken bone in his wrist during the team’s 22-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The injury occurred in the second quarter when he made a spectacular 48-yard catch.
The play in question shows Smith-Njigba landing hard on his wrist as he is tackled near the goal line. The 21-year-old receiver was selected with the 20th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft after a successful college career at Ohio State. He joins a talented group of receivers on the Seahawks roster, including DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Smith-Njigba started training camp recovering from a hamstring injury that limited his playing time in his final season at Ohio State. However, he gradually increased his participation and impressed Seattle head coach Pete Carroll with his natural athleticism and ability to change direction.
The Seahawks are hoping Smith-Njigba will be ready to play when they open their season at home against the Los Angeles Rams on September 10. The team is already dealing with the absence of receiver Dee Eskridge, who is suspended for the first six games due to violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. Additionally, Dareke Young, expected to be a supporting receiver, has been sidelined with a hip/groin injury.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks’ other first-round pick in the 2023 draft, has been out since August 7 with a hamstring injury.